Impact of blood eosinophil count on clinical outcomes in hospitalized Syrian patients with COPD exacerbation

Objective In this multicenter retrospective study, we evaluated the prognostic role of blood eosinophil count on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods We included patients aged 20 to 90 years with a COPD diagnosis. Patients were divided into groups with blood eosinophil count <= 300 or >300 cells/mu L and then further classified into 1-99, 100-300, or >300 cells/mu L. We compared sociodemographic features and clinical outcomes between groups and identified risk factors associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with COPD and blood eosinophil count <= 300 cells/mu L. Results In total, 217 patients were included (82% men, average age 64.3 +/- 10.3 years). Patients with eosinophil counts <= 300 cells/mu L had significantly longer hospital stays, more admissions to the intensive care unit (22.2% vs. 4.3%), and more frequent mechanical ventilation (21.6% vs. 4.3%) than those with eosinophil counts >300 cells/mu L. Mortality only occurred in the group with <= 300 cells/mu L; patients with COPD who had eosinophil counts >300 cells/mu L had significantly better survival rates (17.0% vs. 0%). Conclusion High blood eosinophil counts at admission were associated with improved short-term outcomes. Our findings reveal the importance of considering eosinophil counts in clinical decision-making to manage hospitalized patients with COPD.