Novel Biomarker in COPD Exacerbations Is Identified

Blood eosinophil count may be a useful biomarker to predict hospital readmissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, according to a new study. 

To assess the potential of utilizing the blood eosinophil count as a prognostic marker of exacerbations in patients with COPD, the researchers identified 1626 hospital admissions that comprised patients who had been admitted between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, and who had been discharged with a diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. In all, the researchers reviewed data on 358 patients.

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The researchers classified the patients into 1 of 3 blood eosinophil count cutoff points: 

• Less than 200 vs 200/µL or greater, 
• Less than 300 vs 300/µL or greater, or 
• Less than 400 vs 400/µL or greater.

Those who had a blood eosinophil count of 300/µL or greater, as well as those with a blood eosinophil count of 400/µL or greater, had an increased likelihood of readmission.

“The [blood eosinophil count] does not appear to be related to hospital mortality or the probability of early readmission after an exacerbation of COPD,” according to the study authors.

—Colleen Murphy

Reference:

Gonzalez‐Barcala FJ, San‐Jose ME, Nieto‐Fontarigo JJ, et al. Blood eosinophils could be useful as a biomarker in COPD exacerbations [published online October 1, 2019]. Int J Clin Pract. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.13423.