Diagnostics
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Falls Progressively During Treated Exacerbations of COPD and Is Discordant with Blood Eosinophil Counts
By Dimitrios Potonos, Antonia Assioura, Athena Gogali and 4 others.
Abstract
Background
The behavior of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) during treated COPD exacerbations and its agreement with blood eosinophil counts are poorly characterized.
Aims
To describe serial FeNO trajectories across hospitalized COPD exacerbations (AECOPDs), assess concordance between FeNO and blood eosinophils, and test whether these can predict length of stay (LOS).
Methods
Prospective cohort of patients hospitalized for AECOPD. FeNO was measured on admission, on day 2 and at discharge; blood eosinophils and post-bronchodilator spirometry on admission and before discharge; and arterial blood gases on admission and on day 2. The admission measurements preceded the first dose of corticosteroid. All patients received guideline-directed treatment, including systemic corticosteroids.