The different phenotypes of COPD

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To improve the health status and reduce symptom burden, it is important to identify a group of patients with similar characteristics and prognosis, called clinical phenotypes. Herein we shall review the different phenotypes of COPD.

Sources of data: Keywords (COPD, phenotype, acute exacerbation) search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar.

Areas of agreement: Those with raised blood eosinophil counts respond better to steroid therapy at stable state and exacerbation.

Areas of controversy: There is no universally accepted blood eosinophil cut-off value that will indicate favourable response to corticosteroids and potentially for future biologic therapy.

Growing points: There is an urgent need for further therapeutic options for COPD patients with non-eosinophilic inflammation.

Areas timely for developing research: Well-designed COPD trials with identification of phenotypes for more personalization of the treatment of COPD.