Effect of plasma transfusion on serum amyloid A concentration in healthy neonatal foals and foals with failure of transfer of passive immunity. (24th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmisano, Megan; Javsicas, Laura; McNaughten, Justin; Gamsjäger, Lisa; Renaud, David L.; Gomez, Diego E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of veterinary internal medicine. Volume 37:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 697
• Page End: 702
• Publication Date: 2023-02-24
• Subjects: acute phase protein -- fresh frozen plasma -- immunoglobulin -- sepsis; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.0896
• DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-6640

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Anecdotal evidence suggests plasma transfusions increase serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in healthy neonatal foals making this marker of inflammation inappropriate for therapeutic decision making in such animals. Hypothesis/Objectives: Administration of hyperimmune fresh frozen plasma (FFP) increases SAA concentration in healthy foals and in foals with failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). Animals: Eighty‐six healthy foals. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Foals <24 hours of age receiving plasma transfusion for treatment of FTPI (serum immunoglobulin G [IgG] concentrations <8 g/L; n = 17) or as a preventative measure for Rhodococcus equi infection (IgG >8 g/L; n = 33) were enrolled. A healthy nontransfused group of foals (IgG >8 g/L; n = 21) also was included. Serum amyloid A concentration was determined before (t0h) and after (t24h) administration of FFP. Changes in blood SAA concentration were assessed using linear regression models. Results: No statistical differences were found in SAA concentration at t0h or t24h among the 3 groups ( P > .05, for all comparisons). The variation in SAA concentration before (t0h) and after (t24h) plasma transfusion showed that administration of FFP was not associated with the changes in SAA concentration ( P > .05). An association between SAA concentration at t0h and at 24 hours ( P < .05) was identified, where foals with higher SAA concentration at t0h also had higher SAA concentration at t24h. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Administration of FFP to newborn foals was not associated with changes in SAA concentration.