Laboratory measures of hemostasis and fibrinolysis after intravenous administration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid in clinically normal horses and ponies.

This research explores how the intravenous administration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) affects hemostasis and fibrinolysis in healthy horses and ponies, finding that it significantly alters some laboratory measurements related to clotting and breakdown of clots, implying potential beneficial uses in a clinical setting.

Study Objectives and Methodology

• The study aims to ascertain the effects of intravenous (IV) epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) on stable hemostasis and fibrinolysis in horses and ponies.
• 20 clinically healthy adult horses and ponies were chosen for the study.
• Blood samples were collected 24 hours prior (as a baseline), and then 1 and 5 hours after the IV administration of a low dose (30 mg/kg) or a high dose (100 mg/kg) of EACA.
• Several components and measures of blood clotting, including platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), D-dimer concentration, alpha2-antiplasmin activity, and thrombin-antithrombin complex concentration were analyzed.
• Findings at the 1-and 5-hour marks were compared to the baseline data.

Results of the Study

• Intake of a low dose of EACA resulted in a significant decrease in the average fibrinogen concentration one hour after administration, compared to the baseline level.
• Mean PTT was notably shorter five hours after the administration of a low dose of EACA than the baseline value.
• Alpha2-antiplasmin activity was significantly higher one hour after a 100mg/kg dosage of EACA, compared to the baseline activity.
• A high dose of EACA caused a significant decrease in the fibrinogen concentration both one and five hours after administration, compared to the baseline concentration.
• PTT was significantly reduced five hours after a high EACA dose compared to the baseline value.

Conclusions from the Study

• Administering 30mg and 100mg doses of EACA to healthy horses through IV significantly alters some laboratory measures of hemostasis. This finding aligns with EACA’s known effects as an antifibrinolytic agent.
• Despite not directly assessing enhanced clot maintenance and diminished bleeding, this study implies that the use of EACA could potentially benefit certain patients clinically.