Markers of T2-airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim. To assess biomarkers of T2-inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Materials and methods. We examined 173 adult outpatients (80% male, age 40–89 yrs) with COPD. Lung function tests were assessed by using the Spirograph 2120 (Vitalograph, UK). Blood eosinophils (Eos) were measured by automatic haemoanalyser. Atopic status was determined by serum specific immunoglobulin E to common inhalant allergens. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured by a chemiluminescence analyzer (LR4100, Logan Research, Rochester, UK). Symptoms and quality of life were assessed by using Russian versions of St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD Assessment Test. Statistical analyses were performed with Statistica ver. 10.0 (StatSoft, Inc., USA).

Results. The most frequent marker was blood Eos ≥150 cell/μl (36%), less often was elevated level FeNO≥20 ppb, allergy was rare (5%) and house dust mites were the common allergen. T2-associated diseases (allergic rhinitis, nasal polyposis, atopic dermatitis) were diagnosed in 7% patients.

Conclusion. Forty percent of patients with COPD without concomitant asthma have markers of T2-airway inflammation in a real clinical practice. The most frequent marker was blood Eos≥150 cell/μl that was associated with rate of COPD exacerbation. Frequency of concomitant T2-diseases (allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, atopic dermatitis) was low.