MxA and CRP-Guided Use of Antimicrobial Agents for AECOPD

Respiratory viral infections are a leading cause of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, there is currently a lack of rapid diagnostic methods to differentiate the cause of AECOPD, resulting in insufficient attention to viral-induced exacerbations, with antibiotic treatment remaining the primary treatment. Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) has been identified as a potential biomarker to distinguish respiratory viral infections, while C-reactive protein (CRP) has been confirmed as a useful guide for antibiotic therapy in AECOPD. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the clinical value of MxA and CRP-guided antimicrobial treatment in outpatients with AECOPD, with the goal of reducing antibiotic overuse and improving patient outcomes.