A 71-year-old with severe COPD on LABA/LAMA presents with frequent exacerbations (3 in the past year) and eosinophils 120/µL. Which escalation is appr...

Question

A 71-year-old with severe COPD on LABA/LAMA presents with frequent exacerbations (3 in the past year) and eosinophils 120/µL. Which escalation is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Consider ICS add-on; benefit increases with eosinophils ≥300/µL but may help ≥100/µL with exacerbations

Answer

Add inhaled corticosteroid for all frequent exacerbators regardless of eosinophils

Answer

Add theophylline before ICS

Answer

Switch to SABA monotherapy

Answer

Start oral steroids chronically

us-abfm MCQ (SBA): COPD Pharmacotherapy (ICS Use)

A 71-year-old with severe COPD on LABA/LAMA presents with frequent exacerbations (3 in the past year) and eosinophils 120/µL. Which escalation is appropriate?