Role of Blood Eosinophils, Neutrophils and Serum IGE levels as Biomarkers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Aim: To predict the relationship of blood eosinophils, neutrophils & serum IgE levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to modify disease progression, hospital admissions & prediction of COPD exacerbations. To correlate elevated blood eosinophils, neutrophils and serum IgE levels with exacerbation of COPD.

Materials and Methods: Cross sectional observational study of 140 patients at Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, suspected to have COPD

Results: This study showed a male predominance of 85% (119/140) and female 15% (21/140), mostly in the 50–70 years age group (83.5%). COPD was most common in Stage II (28.5%) and Stage III (41.4%). Exacerbations increased with staging: Stage I (38%), Stage II (60%), Stage III (67%), Stage IV (76%). Mean FEV1 declined from 54.3% in stable COPD to 48.9% in exacerbations. Absolute eosinophil counts rose from 305 (Stage I) to 1065 (Stage IV), neutrophils from 4650 to 5782/µL, and serum IgE from 790 to 3247 IU/mL. Smokers with >10 pack years had more exacerbations and elevated biomarkers. Elevated eosinophils (>300 cells/µL), neutrophils (>6000 cells/µL), and IgE (>150 IU/mL) were significantly higher in exacerbations (p=0.001), supporting biomarker-guided COPD management.

Conclusion: Elevated eosinophils, neutrophils, and IgE levels are observed in both stable and exacerbated COPD, with higher levels during exacerbations. These markers correlate with disease severity, smoking, and environmental exposures. Eosinophils also predict better ICS response. Recurrent exacerbations worsen lung function.