Blood eosinophil count to predict bronchial eosinophilic inflammation in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease of the airways. There is evidence that maintenance treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in COPD results in a reduction in the mean rate of exacerbations, and improvement in quality of life and lung function [1]. However, ICS therapy has been associated with increased risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis, hoarseness and pneumonia [1]. In COPD, ICS are now recommended in cases of frequent exacerbations and severe obstruction [2]. Blood eosinophil counts, but not F eNO , may predict airway eosinophilic inflammation <http://ow.ly/WXgkA>