Eosinophil Count Not Linked to Exacerbations in Korean Bronchiectasis Cohort

In a Korean bronchiectasis cohort (n=492), blood eosinophil count showed no significant association with acute exacerbations or disease severity. Instead, oral corticosteroid use (IRR 2.26, 95%CI 1.46-3.52), older age, and lower FEV1 were independent risk factors.

• Retrospective cohort of 492 patients at a single Korean tertiary hospital (2014-2021); 3 eosinophilic groups (low, normal, high) showed no difference in hospitalization, BSI, or FACED scores.
• Independent exacerbation risk factors: oral corticosteroid use (IRR=2.26, p=0.001), older age (IRR=1.03/year, p=0.002), and lower FEV1% predicted (IRR=0.98, p<0.001).
• Limitation: single-center, retrospective design limits generalizability; findings may be specific to East Asian populations and contrast with prior Western studies.

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