Blood eosinophil count and treatment patterns of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in South Korea using real-world data
- Author:
Chin Kook RHEE
1
;
Yu-Fan HO
;
Sumitra SHANTAKUMAR
;
Tim HOLBROOK
;
Yein NAM
;
Kwang‑Ha YOO
Author Information
- Publication Type:2
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(1):78-91
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background/Aims:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management guidelines have increasingly emphasised the importance of exacerbation prevention, and the role of blood eosinophil count (BEC) as a biomarker for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) response. This study aimed to describe the distribution and stability of BEC and understand real-world treatment patterns among COPD patients in South Korea.
Methods:This was a retrospective database analysis using data obtained from the KOrea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) registry between January 2012 and August 2018. KOCOSS is an ongoing, longitudinal, prospective, multi-centre, non-interventional study investigating early COPD amongst South Korean patients. BEC stability was assessed by calculating the intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient. “Exacerbators” were patients who had a record of ≥ 1 exacerbation in the 12 months prior to the visit.
Results:The study included 2,661 patients with a mean age of 68.6 years. Most patients were male (92.0%). Mean BEC was significantly higher in exacerbators compared to non-exacerbators. Patients with ≥ 2 exacerbations at baseline had a less stable BEC over time (ICC = 0.44) compared to non-exacerbators (ICC = 0.57). Patients with BEC ≥ 300 cells/μL at baseline predominantly received triple therapy (43.8%).
Conclusions:This study may further develop current understanding on BEC profiles amongst COPD patients in South Korea. BEC measurements are stable and reproducible among COPD patients, which supports its use as a potential biomarker.
