Factors affecting measurement of basal adrenocorticotropic hormone in adult domestic equids: A scoping review.

The research article presents a scoping review that inspects the various pre-analytical and analytical factors affecting the measurement of basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in adult domestic equids, which is essential in diagnosing pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). The study reveals how certain variables such as time of year, exercise, breed/type, and transportation can significantly influence ACTH concentrations; however, further clarification is needed to understand their relationship with PPID diagnostic accuracy.

Objective of the Study

• The study aims to identify and systematically chart the evidence on factors impacting the measurement of basal ACTH in adult domestic equids, crucial information for diagnosing PPID.

Methodology

• Systematic searches of electronic databases and conference proceedings were undertaken in June 2022, repeated in October 2022, and updated in August 2023.
• Only English language publications published before these dates were included in the study.
• The authors individually screened and extracted data from the collected resources, using predefined criteria and a modified scoping review data extraction template.

Results

• 903 publications were initially identified. After removing duplicates, these were reduced to 235 abstracts screened for eligibility.
• Out of the screened abstracts, 134 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed.
• The research identified that the time of year, exercise, breed/type, and transportation were factors most frequently associated with significant increases in ACTH concentration.

Limited Scope

• Only 25 out of the analyzed publications considered PPID cases in their study population. This limited scope leaves the relationship between many factors affecting basal ACTH concentration and their influence on diagnostic accuracy for PPID largely undefined.

Significance of Findings

• The study helps in identifying several factors that may interfere with the interpretation of basal ACTH results.
• It also emphasizes the need for detailed reporting of pre-analytical and analytical conditions in future research to aid the practical application of the evidence.