Serial plasma vasopressin concentration in healthy and hospitalised neonatal foals.

The research conducted a detailed study on the vasopressin levels in the plasma of newborn foals, comparing the rates between healthy foals and those hospitalized due to sickness or sepsis. The findings indicate a correlation between elevated vasopressin concentrations on admission and higher mortality rates.

Objective and Methodology of the Research

• The primary objective of this research was to examine changes in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations in sick newborn foals over time. Arginine vasopressin is a hormone responsible for maintaining the water balance in the body and its dysregulation can lead to critical illnesses.
• The researchers carried out a prospective, longitudinal clinical study where they collected plasma samples from 33 foals. The cohort consisted of 7 healthy foals and 26 sick foals. They gathered these samples at various intervals – prior and post the preliminary fluid resuscitation, and at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 96 hours after the foals’ presentation.
• Among the 26 sick foals, those with a modified sepsis score (MSS) greater or equal to 11 were classified as septic. This score is an indication of the presence of a severe systemic inflammatory response to infection.

Results of the Research

• The study found that the vasopressin levels on admission were higher in septic foals in comparison to both, healthy foals and sick non-septic foals. However, there were no statistically significant differences noted in the AVP concentrations between these groups in subsequent days.
• Another critical observation made was that foals that didn’t survive had higher AVP concentrations compared to those who survived.

Conclusions drawn from the Research

• The research concluded that plasma AVP concentrations in septic foals on admission are greater than in healthy and sick non-septic foals, suggesting a correlation with illness severity.
• Furthermore, the findings suggest that higher early plasma AVP concentrations are related to increased mortality in foals. This might infer that elevated vasopressin levels could serve as an early indicator of severe illness and potentially predict adverse outcomes in newborn foals.