Eosinophil to platelet ratio can predict acute exacerbation of COPD

In a recent study published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease identified eosinophil to platelet ratio (EPR) as a potential predictor of adverse events in patients experiencing acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). 

A comprehensive retrospective was conducted at Dalian Municipal Friendship Hospital with the analysis of records that spanned from January 2018 to December 2020 and included a total of 508 patients (316 male, 192 female) with AECOPD. The key goal was to establish a correlation between clinical characteristics and EPR with a cutoff value of 0.755.

The results from the study highlighted the effectiveness of the EPR in patients of two groups with significantly different mortality rates (25.3% vs. 5.5%, P < 0.001) when the optimal area under the curve (AUC) cutoff of 0.755 was applied. The patients presenting in the emergency room with a lower EPR also expressed a higher mortality risk (35.6% vs. 11.1%, P < 0.001).

The research went a step further to develop a predictive model for death risk that included variables such as EPR < 0.755, exacerbation history, PaO2 < 60mmHg, PaCO2 > 50 mm Hg, hypoalbuminemia and age over 80 years. This comprehensive model demonstrated better performance in forecasting adverse outcomes for patients during severe COPD exacerbation.

These findings hold promise in transforming the assessment and management of COPD patients, particularly in emergency scenarios. The ability to predict outcomes based on the EPR offers clinicians a valuable tool to tailor interventions and improve patient care. This research outcomes contribute to a better understanding of AECOPD and further can opens avenues for more targeted and personalized approaches in emergency settings.

Source:

Hu, D., Huang, J., Zhao, W., Xu, M., Ma, Y., Gong, Z., Zhang, Q., & Zhao, H. (2024). A low eosinophil to platelet ratio as a worse prognostic index for emergency department attendance in acute exacerbation of COPD. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 19, 139–147. https://doi.org/10.2147/copd.s442715