Parallel testing of plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations to detect systemic inflammation in hospitalized horses.

The research study assesses the accuracy of using plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations to detect systemic inflammation in horses, and explores the potential of plasma iron as a prognostic marker.

Objective of the Study

The main aim of this study was to explore the differences in plasma iron concentration among horses with and without systemic inflammation (SI). It also aimed to verify the individual and combined accuracy of plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations in detecting SI among hospitalized horses. Besides, the project sought to determine the prognostic value of plasma iron concentration and to understand the progression of plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations during hospital follow-up and their relation to SI and survival.

Methods Used in the Study

• The study was a Prospective observational study that evaluated plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations in equine patients aged over 30 days.
• The research was conducted at a university veterinary teaching hospital.
• Horses were divided into two groups according to their SI status: SI and non-SI. Clinical outcome was another classification of the horses.
• A control group of healthy horses was included for comparison.
• In total, 135 horses were observed for this study.

Results of the Study

• The study found significant differences in plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations between the SI and non-SI groups. The SI group had a lower plasma iron concentration and a higher fibrinogen concentration.
• Nonsurvivors had a mean plasma fibrinogen concentration significantly higher than survivors.
• The combined measurement of plasma iron and fibrinogen showed high accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity in detecting SI in horses.
• During the follow-up, the study noted that surviving horses normalized their plasma iron concentrations, while nonsurviving horses continued to have low plasma iron levels.

Conclusions of the Study

• The study concluded that plasma iron concentration, measured individually, is a reliable marker of SI in hospitalized horses.
• When both plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations were assessed, the specificity and positive predictive value for SI diagnosis improved. Altering either one or both of these markers increased the sensitivity and negative predictive value.
• The study suggests that the combination of plasma iron and fibrinogen concentrations might be beneficial in detecting SI, and following up plasma iron concentrations might provide a valuable prognostic information.