Abstract
To the Editor,
We agree with Dr Kawada that further prospective studies are required to confirm, or refute, the presence of a dose-effect relationship between specific platelet indices and the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In our systematic review and meta-analysis, one such index, the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was significantly associated with both the presence of COPD and its exacerbations, suggesting a dose-effect relationship with the disease. By and large, specific biomarkers for routine use in clinical practice should be easily measurable at a population level, should exhibit a predictable association with the presence and/or the severity of disease, and should potentially be modifiable by means of pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions.
We agree with Dr Kawada that further prospective studies are required to confirm, or refute, the presence of a dose-effect relationship between specific platelet indices and the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In our systematic review and meta-analysis, one such index, the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was significantly associated with both the presence of COPD and its exacerbations, suggesting a dose-effect relationship with the disease. By and large, specific biomarkers for routine use in clinical practice should be easily measurable at a population level, should exhibit a predictable association with the presence and/or the severity of disease, and should potentially be modifiable by means of pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 483 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Journal | COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 7 Jul 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Keywords
- platelet indices
- COPD
- disease severity
- platelet to lymphocyte ratio
- platelet biomarkers
- non-platelet biomarkers