Abstract
Aim and objective To evaluate the relationship between peripheral blood eosinophil levels (>5% at admission) and clinical outcomes, including ICU admission, duration of hospitalization, need for mechanical ventilation, and corticosteroid responsiveness, in patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Methods A total of 120 patients aged >45 years with AECOPD were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood eosinophil percentage at the time of admission was recorded for all participants. Based on eosinophil levels, patients were categorized into two groups: eosinophilic (>5%) and non-eosinophilic (≤5%). Clinical outcomes, including ICU admission, duration of hospital stay, requirement for mechanical ventilation, and corticosteroid use, were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test and regression analysis to determine associations between eosinophil levels and clinical parameters. Results Patients in the non-eosinophilic group demonstrated significantly higher rates of ICU admissions (21.7% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.018), longer hospital stays (7.9 ± 2.4 vs. 5.6 ± 1.9 days, p = 0.003), and greater need for invasive ventilation (13.3% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.024). Corticosteroid usage was also notably higher in the non-eosinophilic group (73.3% vs. 42.1%, p < 0.001). Although mortality was slightly elevated in the non-eosinophilic group (5.7% vs. 2.1%), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.28). Conclusion Peripheral blood eosinophil count >5% is associated with favorable clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with AECOPD. As a cost-effective and readily available biomarker, eosinophil levels may aid in stratifying patients and guiding personalized corticosteroid therapy during exacerbations.