Association between blood eosinophil counts and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health problem, with an exacerbation rate of 150.91 episodes per 100 population. The pathogenesis is primarily related to inflammation of the small airways. Previous studies have shown that patients with stable COPD but elevated blood eosinophil counts are at increased risk of future exacerbations. However, previous studies examining the association between blood eosinophil counts and COPD exacerbations remain inconsistent.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between blood eosinophil counts and COPD exacerbations.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records of patients attending the COPD clinic at Nakhon Phanom Hospital between January 1st. and December 31st., 2025.
Results: Patients with blood eosinophil counts ≥300 cells/µL had higher rates of exacerbations and emergency department visits, whereas hospital admission rates did not differ significantly before adjustment for confounding factors. After adjustment for confounders, patients with blood eosinophil counts ≥300 cells/µL had a significantly higher rate of hospital admissions. Rates of endotracheal intubation and mortality were not significantly different between groups. A blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/µL predicted the risk of exacerbation with a sensitivity of 66%, specificity of 55%, and an AUROC of 0.60. The optimal cutoff value identified in this study was a blood eosinophil count ≥339 cells/µL, which demonstrated a sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 62%, and an AUROC of 0.63.
Conclusion: COPD patients with blood eosinophil counts ≥300 cells/µL had higher rates of exacerbations, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.
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References
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