Tests May Help Predict COPD Flare-Ups

Three low-cost blood tests may help to predict flare-ups of a serious lung disease, a new study finds. The study focused on a medical database of 61,000 people. All had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This disease is a combination of chronic (long-lasting) bronchitis and emphysema. The vast majority of COPD patients are smokers or ex-smokers. Some people with the disease have flare-ups. These are periods of more intense symptoms. People in the study were not having flare-ups at the time the study began. They were given blood tests that looked for 2 proteins: fibrinogen and C-reactive protein. Another test measured a type of white blood cell called leukocytes. People who had increased levels of all 3 were more likely to have frequent flare-ups during a follow-up period. The Journal of the American Medical Association published the study.