title: Effect of inhaled corticosteroids on blood eosinophil count in steroid-naïve patients with COPD.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sputum and blood eosinophil counts have attracted attention as potential biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One question regarding the use of blood eosinophils as a biomarker in COPD is whether their levels are affected by the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which are commonly prescribed for COPD.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective analysis of peripheral blood leucocytes from a previously completed clinical trial that examined effects of ICS in steroid-naïve patients with COPD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data show that the ICS-containing treatment arms (containing fluticasone propionate) had a small effect on peripheral blood eosinophils in steroid-naïve patients with COPD.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT00358358; Post-results.
authors.affiliation: GSK R&D , King of Prussia, Pennsylvania , USA.
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kreindler
authors.affiliation: GSK R&D , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina , USA.
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.affiliation: GSK R&D , Uxbridge , UK.
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lettis
authors.affiliation: GSK R&D , King of Prussia, Pennsylvania , USA.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tal-Singer
authors.affiliation: GSK R&D , King of Prussia, Pennsylvania , USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Locantore
keywords: COPD Pharmacology; Eosinophil Biology