TABLE 5.

Cell counts in relation to airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=265)

Cells	Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)
	≥80% predicted (n=32)	50%–79% predicted (n=128)	30%–49% predicted (n=75)	<30% predicted (n=30)
Eosinophils, % (median [IQR])	0.3 (1.0)	0.5 (1.7)	0.6 (1.3)	0.3 (0.83)
Neutrophils, % (mean ± SD)	61.4 ±27.4	73.1±21.7*	75.5±19.9*	90.1±12.0†
Total cell count, ×106/g (mean ± SD)	5.3±5.6	14.5±20.6*	18.8±25.3*	24.1±27.6*

^*Compared with mild COPD (FEV₁ ≥80% predicted), P<0.05;

^†Compared with mild COPD (FEV₁ ≥80% predicted), P<0.01. IQR Interquartile range