RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Eosinopenia in Severe COPD Exacerbation

This research is about understanding a specific type of white blood cell called eosinophils in people who have severe flare-ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When someone with COPD is admitted to hospital for a severe flare-up, their eosinophil levels can sometimes drop very low. This study aims to discover what factors might lead to these low levels at the time of hospital admission. We also want to track how long it takes for these eosinophil levels to return to their usual, stable amounts after a flare-up. This information could help doctors make better decisions about treatment for people with COPD in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

200

Start

22 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is this study about?

When people with COPD have a flare-up, it means their breathing gets much worse and they might need hospital care. This study is focusing on a specific type of white blood cell called an eosinophil. These cells are part of your body's defence system, helping to fight off infections and control inflammation. Doctors usually measure eosinophil levels when someone is feeling well and stable, because these levels can help decide if a certain treatment, like inhaled steroids, might be helpful for preventing future flare-ups.

However, during a severe COPD flare-up, eosinophil levels can often drop suddenly. This can make it tricky for doctors to get an accurate reading of someone's usual eosinophil level when they are feeling unwell. If a doctor measures these levels while a patient is in hospital with a flare-up, they might mistakenly think the patient has low eosinophils all the time, and therefore might not recommend a treatment that could actually help them later. Previous research has shown that this could mean many patients miss out on helpful treatments.

So, this study has two main goals. Firstly, we want to figure out what might cause these low eosinophil levels when someone is first admitted to hospital with a severe COPD flare-up. Secondly, and very importantly, we want to find out how long it takes for these dropped eosinophil levels to return to their normal, stable state after the flare-up. Knowing this will help healthcare professionals understand the best time to measure eosinophil levels so they can make the most accurate and helpful treatment decisions for people with COPD.

Key takeaways

This study looks at how eosinophil levels change during and after severe COPD flare-ups.
Eosinophils are white blood cells that help your body fight infection and inflammation.
The study aims to understand why some patients have low eosinophil levels when admitted to hospital.
It also wants to find out how long it takes for these levels to return to normal after a flare-up.
This research could help doctors make better treatment decisions for COPD patients in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be admitted to hospital because of a severe flare-up of your COPD. You must also have a history of smoking for at least 10 years and your doctor needs to have confirmed your COPD diagnosis using a breathing test called spirometry that shows your airways are obstructed. You must also be able to understand the study and agree to take part yourself.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having certain infections (like parasitic or certain fungal infections), some types of cancer, or other conditions that can significantly affect your eosinophil levels. You also can't be taking certain medications that are known to change eosinophil counts, such as maintenance steroid tablets or newer anti-inflammatory drugs. People with very difficult-to-find veins for blood samples, or those with a history of asthma (as it's often confused with COPD), would also not be able to participate. If you have other health problems that the study team feels might interfere with your participation, you might also be excluded.

For part of the study that specifically looks at how long it takes for eosinophil levels to recover, you would also need to have had low eosinophil levels when you were admitted to hospital, and your recovery from the flare-up should have been straightforward, meaning no further steroid treatment or emergency hospital visits within six weeks of being discharged.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have been admitted to hospital recently for a severe COPD flare-up.
I have a smoking history of at least 10 years.
My COPD diagnosis has been confirmed by a breathing test.
I am not currently taking maintenance steroid tablets or certain other medicines that affect eosinophils.
I do not have a history of asthma.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As an observational study, your involvement would mainly include providing blood samples while you are in hospital and after you go home. The study team will look at these blood samples to measure your eosinophil levels over time. They will also gather information about your health and medical history, such as your symptoms, other health conditions you have, and the treatments you receive. This study does not involve new medications or treatments; it's about observing how your body responds to a COPD flare-up and recovery. The total duration of your participation would involve tracking your eosinophil levels after you leave hospital. You would be informed of the exact schedule of blood tests and follow-up during the consent process.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us understand more about COPD and how to manage it better in the future, potentially benefiting others with the condition. There are no direct medical benefits for you from taking part, as we are not testing a new treatment. The main risk involves giving blood samples, which may cause some discomfort, bruising, or rarely, infection at the needle site. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
North Shields, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What are eosinophils?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. They're part of your body's immune system, helping to fight infections and manage inflammation.

Why are doctors interested in eosinophils for COPD?

Measuring eosinophil levels can help doctors decide if certain treatments, like inhaled steroids, might be helpful for people with COPD to prevent future flare-ups.

Will I receive new treatment in this study?

No, this study is about observing your health and existing treatments. You won't receive any new medications or experimental treatments as part of this research.

Will this study affect my usual medical care?

No, taking part in this study will not affect the medical care you receive for your COPD or any other health conditions. Your doctors will continue to treat you as they normally would.

What does 'eosinopenia' mean?

Eosinopenia means having a low number of eosinophils in your blood.

How to find out more

Stephen Bourke, MBChB, PhD

stephen.bourke@nhct.nhs.uk 0191 293 4351 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.