Eosinophilia and parasitic infestations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Narongkorn Saiphoklang,Chanya Chomchoey

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-69541-7

Narongkorn Saiphoklang, Chanya Chomchoey

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-69541-7

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Journal: Scientific Reports	Publication Date: Jul 27, 2020
Citations: 9	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Thammasat University

Abstract

Eosinophilia may guide response to inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to determine prevalence of eosinophilia and parasitic infestations in these patients. We conducted a prospective cohort study between February 2019 and January 2020 and screened 107 stable COPD patients. A total of 77 subjects (84.4% men) were included. Age was 73.8 ± 8.9 years. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 66.5 ± 25.5%. Smoking history was 25.9 ± 18 pack-years. Comorbidities included cardiovascular disease (57.1%). Respiratory symptoms were assessed by modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score (1.6 ± 0.8), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Assessment Test score (9.3 ± 4.9), and 6-min walking distance (317.2 ± 135.2 m). Patients with blood eosinophil count at least 100 cells/μL were 79.2% and at least 300 cells/μL were 33.8%. Intestinal parasites were not found. Significant positive correlations were found between high blood eosinophilia and some post-bronchodilator lung function parameters. In conclusion, eosinophilic COPD was not uncommon. No intestinal parasite was found in this population. This study suggests that stool parasite exam might be omitted for routine practice.Clinicaltrials.in.th Number: TCTR20191129002.

Highlights

Eosinophilia may guide response to inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Clinical deterioration is assessed by modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale ≥ 2 or COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score ≥ 10
COPD patients with an exacerbation and blood eosinophil count (BEC) ≥ 300 cell/μL are a significant prognosticator of better response to ICS6

Summary

Introduction

Eosinophilia may guide response to inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to determine prevalence of eosinophilia and parasitic infestations in these patients. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score (1.6 ± 0.8), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Assessment Test score (9.3 ± 4.9), and 6-min walking distance (317.2 ± 135.2 m). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation. It is commonly diagnosed in patient aged more than 40 years with chronic cough, dyspnea and/or history of exposure to risk factors for the disease. High blood eosinophil count (BEC) is correlated with response to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)[4]. We aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation in COPD patients with blood eosinophilia.

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