White Blood Cell Ratio Diagnostic Score for Pulmonary Disease Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing pulmonary diseases like asthma and COPD are inadequate due to the complexity and invasiveness of induced sputum analysis, and alternative markers such as exhaled nitric oxide levels have not shown strong diagnostic value in clinical settings, leading to a need for validated, simpler methods to classify patients and tailor treatments.
Innovation Solution
The use of white blood cell ratios from complete blood cell counts (CBC) with differential measurements to calculate diagnostic scores, which do not rely on induced sputum eosinophil counts, allowing for the classification and treatment of pulmonary diseases through a more accessible and objective approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If induced sputum analysis is used to diagnose pulmonary diseases, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but procedure complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic information (eosinophil identification) from the complex induced sputum procedure by using a simple blood-based eosinophil count ratio. This removes the need for complex sputum induction equipment and procedures while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for identifying eosinophilic asthma patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses peripheral blood eosinophil counts as a surrogate marker (copy) that reflects the eosinophilic inflammation state in the lungs. Instead of directly analyzing sputum from the lungs, the method copies the diagnostic information from an easily accessible blood sample, avoiding the complexity of sputum induction while preserving diagnostic value.
2Measurement precision
If induced sputum analysis is used to diagnose pulmonary diseases, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic function from the complex sputum induction process by using only a routine blood count. This eliminates the need for specialized sputum induction equipment, trained technicians, and complex sample processing, making the diagnostic process simple enough for everyday clinical practice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing complete blood count (CBC) test that is already routinely performed in clinical settings. By using the eosinophil count already available from the CBC differential, the method requires no additional specialized procedures, equipment, or training, allowing any clinician to easily perform the diagnosis.
3Ease of operation
If exhaled nitric oxide levels are used as a diagnostic marker, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from exhaled nitric oxide levels to the eosinophil count ratio derived from complete blood count. This parameter change maintains ease of operation since CBC is a routine test, while improving diagnostic precision by providing a more reliable marker for eosinophilic inflammation that better correlates with treatment response.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods of diagnosing a subject as having a pulmonary disease or disorder, e.g., an eosinophilic disease or disorder based on the determination of white blood cell ratios. The disclosure also provides white blood cell ratio-based methods of treating, prognosing, or monitoring a pulmonary disease or disorder, as well as methods of methods of predicting a dosage regimen, identifying a candidate therapeutic agent, identifying a patient as a candidate for a therapeutic agent, and methods of designing a personalized therapy.