Biomarker Can Predict Pneumonia Risk in Certain COPD Patients
The risk of developing pneumonia is significantly higher in individuals with eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severely impaired lung function, according to the results of a recent study.
Blood eosinophil count in patients with COPD has been shown to be associated with a higher rate of exacerbation and with favorable response to corticosteroids. However, its effect on pneumonia risk, which is elevated with corticosteroid risk and frequent exacerbations, remains unknown.
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For their study, researchers examined data from 7180 individuals with COPD, including 643 with FEV1<50% of the predicted value from the Copenhagen General Population Study.
Overall, the multivariable adjusted incidence rate ratio for pneumonia was 2.17 among those with COPD and FEV1<50% of the predicted value when comparing individuals with blood eosinophil counts at or above versus below 0.34·109/L.
Among those with clinical COPD, defined by recent exacerbation, ≥10 pack-years, and FEV1<70% of the predicted value, the risk was 4.25, and the risk of pneumonia did not differ by blood eosinophil count among individuals with COPD and FEV1≥50% of the predicted value.
“In individuals with COPD and FEV1below 50% percent of predicted value, blood eosinophil count of 0.34·109/L or higher was associated with high risk of hospitalization due to pneumonia,” the researchers wrote.
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Vedel-Krogh S, Nordestgaard BG, Lange P, et al. Blood eosinophil count and risk of pneumonia hospitalisations in individuals with COPD [published online April 12, 2018. European Respiratory Journal. doi: 10.1183/13993003.00120-2018.
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