The sputum transcriptome better predicts COPD exacerbations after the withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids than sputum eosinophils.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Continuing inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use does not benefit all patients with COPD, yet it is difficult to determine which patients may safely sustain ICS withdrawal. Although eosinophil levels can facilitate this decision, better biomarkers could improve personalised treatment decisions.

Methods

We performed transcriptional profiling of sputum to explore the molecular biology and compared the predictive value of an unbiased gene signature versus sputum eosinophils for exacerbations after ICS withdrawal in COPD patients. RNA-sequencing data of induced sputum samples from 43 COPD patients were associated with the time to exacerbation after ICS withdrawal. Expression profiles of differentially expressed genes were summarised to create gene signatures. In a

SUBMITTER: Ditz B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8255541 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature