Blood eosinophil-guided therapy for COPD exacerbations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, and acute exacerbations are the primary cause of health-care utilisation in COPD.1 These exacerbations are associated with a decline in lung function, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality.2 Interventions to prevent exacerbations include standard inhaler therapy: inhaled glucocorticoids, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, and long acting β2-agonists.2 Once hospitalised, it is advised that patients be treated with systemic glucocorticoids per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines, with the understanding that prolonged corticosteroid courses can increase the risk of pneumonia and mortality.