EOSINOPHIL COUNT AND FeNO AS PREDICTORS OF EXACERBACTIONS IN COPD

Abstract

Introduction: both eosinophil count and FeNO measurements have been related to a higher risk of exacerbations in COPD. It is unknown if these biomarkers show differences in the prediction of exacerbation risk. Methods: COPD patients were followed up for 1 year with baseline blood eosinophil count analysis (V0) and FeNO assessments at baseline (V0), 6 (V1) and 12 months (V2). Risk of moderate and severe exacerbations during follow up was assessed by Cox regression analysis and the predictive capacity of both measurements was assessed by ROC curves. Statistical significance was considered for p Results: 244 COPD patients were recruited, 226 of whom were followed up. Baseline characteristics were 27.9% of active smokers, moderate airflow limitation (mean FEV1 56.5± 17.0 % predicted). Both eosinophil count and the number of visit with FeNO≥20 ppb were associated with increased risk of moderate and severe exacerbations (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03- 2.04 and HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01- 2.20 respectively, p Conclusions: both eosinophil count and FeNO measurements display a modest utility predicting COPD exacerbations. Eosinophil count predicts better moderate exacerbations and FeNO predicts better severe ones.