A pilot randomised clinical trial ofxc2xa0mepolizumab in COPD with eosinophilic bronchitis

[摘要] ExtractAirflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with influx of various inflammatory cells (e.g. eosinophils; neutrophils; lymphocytes; macrophages) into the airways. Approximately one-third of stable COPD patients and one in five COPD exacerbations are associated with eosinophilic bronchitis that usually responds to inhaled or ingested corticosteroids [1]. Specific anti-eosinophil agents like mepolizumab; a humanised monoclonal antibody against interleukin 5 (IL-5); reduce severe asthma exacerbations and improve lung function [2xe2x80x934]. The improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) is also associated with a decrease in biomarkers of airway remodelling; such as sputum hyaluronan and versican; over a 6-month treatment period [5]. It is not known if the same benefits are observed in patients with COPD and eosinophilia in whom the airflow obstruction is due to cigarette smoke-related bronchitis and emphysema.

[学科分类] 呼吸医学