Serum hepatitis associated with commercial plasma transfusion in horses.

This research paper is about the fatal cases of serum hepatitis experienced in horses, which are linked to commercial plasma transfusions. The article highlights it as an infrequent but potentially deadly risk associated with plasma transfusion in horses.

Focus of the Research

• The research focuses on four recorded cases where horses suffered from serum hepatitis, which eventually led to their death. The common factor in all these cases was the administration of commercial plasma transfusions.

Nature of Serum Hepatitis in Horses

• According to the researchers, serum hepatitis in horses is characterized by acute hepatic central lobular necrosis, which is the death of cells in the central area of the liver.
• This condition has been previously linked with the administration of biological products of equine origin.

Details of the Cases

• The four horses studied did not have any recent history of receiving vaccinations derived from equine biological matter.
• However, they had been given between 1.5 to 5 liters of commercial plasma. Additionally, one horse received 8 liters of fresh blood in addition to the plasma.

Subsequent Symptoms and Timeline

• Between 41 to 60 days after receiving the commercial plasma, the horses developed severe colic, a condition which causes abdominal discomfort, which did not respond to medical treatment. They also exhibited lethargy or died suddenly.
• Two of the horses developed encephalopathy, a broad term for brain disease, damage, or malfunction. The condition was confirmed in one horse by the presence of severe diffuse Alzheimer type II astrocytes in the brain, a typically pathological finding in hepatic encephalopathy.

Conclusion on Serum Hepatitis Occurrence Rates and Risks

• Based on their study, the researchers concluded that while the prevalence of serum hepatitis from commercial plasma administration appears rare, it should still be acknowledged as an uncommon but potentially fatal risk factor.