Blood eosinophils as predictor of outcomes in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations: a prospective observational study.

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.