Blood eosinophils as predictor of outcomes in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations: a prospective observational study. (19th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kostikas, Konstantinos; Papathanasiou, Evgenia; Papaioannou, Andriana I.; Bartziokas, Konstantinos; Papanikolaou, Ilias C.; Antonakis, Emmanouil; Makou, Ioanna; Hillas, Georgios; Karampitsakos, Τheodoros; Papaioannou, Ourania; Dimakou, Katerina; Apollonatou, Vicky; Verykokou, Galateia; Papiris, Spyros; Bakakos, Petros; Loukides, Stelios
• Is Part Of: Biomarkers. Volume 26:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 362
• Publication Date: 2021-05-19
• Subjects: COPD -- exacerbations -- biomarker -- eosinophils -- mortality; Biochemical markers -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1080/1354750X.2021.1903998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-750X

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: In the present prospective multicentre observational study, we evaluated the potential role of blood eosinophils on the outcomes of patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations. Material and methods: Consecutive patients >40 years with a previous COPD diagnosis were recruited. Blood eosinophils were measured on admission prior to the initiation of treatment and were evaluated in three groups (<50, 50–149 and ≥150 cells/μL). Patients received standard care and were followed up for a year. Results: A total of 388 patients were included (83.5% male, mean age 72 years). Patients with higher blood eosinophils had less dyspnoea (Borg scale), lower C-reactive protein (CRP) and higher PaO2 /FiO2 (partial pressure for oxygen/fraction of inhaled oxygen), and were discharged earlier (median 11 vs. 9 vs. 5 days for patients with <50, 50–149 and ≥150 cells/μL, respectively). Patients with <50 cells/μL presented higher 30-day and 1-year mortality, whereas there were no differences in moderate/severe COPD exacerbations between the three groups. In a post hoc analysis, treatment with inhaled corticosteroids as per physicians' decision was associated with better exacerbation prevention during follow-up in patients with ≥150 cells/μL. Conclusions: Higher blood eosinophils were associated with better outcomes in hospitalized COPD patients, further supporting their use as a prognostic biomarker.