Blood eosinophils and C-reactive protein as prognostic factors in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exacerbations of COPD are heterogeneous and have significant effect on the socioeconomic burden. The value of eosinophils (Eos) in predicting response to corticosteroids is documented in bronchial asthma exacerbation, but this value is not clear in COPD exacerbation. The aim of the study is to assess the prognostic value of blood Eos and C-reactive protein (CRP) in severe COPD exacerbations. Patients and methods A total of 120 patients with COPD with severe exacerbations were subjected to complete blood count picture analysis with differential count, including Eos and CRP. Cases were divided into eosinophilic and nonesinophilic groups using 2% as a threshold, and the outcomes were observed. Results The inpatient mortality rate was 10%, and it significantly correlated with noneosinophilic group (≤2%) (P=0.02). The length of stay in hospital and ICU was significantly lower in patients with eosinophilia more than or equal to 2%, with P value less than 0.001 for both. CRP and length of stay in hospital and ICU showed significant positive correlation. Conclusion Higher blood Eos and lower CRP levels can be used as predictors for better outcome in severe COPD exacerbations.