Abstract
Introduction
Blood eosinophil count is an independent predictor of mortality in patients: with bacteraemia; requiring intensive care; and with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). In AECOPD eosinopenia may be related to steroid use prior to admission. We describe eosinopenia and mortality in patients with pneumonia and no chronic lung disease or maintenance steroid use.
Methods
198 patients, mean (SD) age 74 (16) years, were identified and data for mortality, eosinopenia (<0.05x10^9/l) and CURB-65 score (Confusion, Urea >7 mmol/l, Respiratory rate >30/min, low systolic (<90 mm Hg) or diastolic (<60 mm Hg) Blood pressure), age >65 years) were collected. Odds ratios (OR) for death at 30 days were calculated.
Results
A higher proportion of patients with eosinopenia had a raised CRP (>50mg/l) compared with those without eosinopenia (81.3% vs. 62.7% p<0.05).
Discussion
Blood eosinopenia <0.05x10^9/l was a strong predictor of 30 day mortality in this cohort with pneumonia, and no chronic respiratory disease. This association cannot be ascribed to steroid use. Eosinopenia may be a marker of severe sepsis and consequent mortality risk (Shaaban et al 2010; Abidi et al 2008), however the association between eosinopenia and CRP >50mg/l was weak.
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