The effects of hyperglycemia and endotoxemia on coagulation parameters in healthy adult horses.

This study investigates the impact of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and endotoxemia (presence of endotoxins in the blood) on the blood clotting parameters in healthy horses. The findings indicate that while these conditions might slightly alter coagulation factors, this is not likely to result in clinically significant changes. Additionally, the combination of hyperglycemia and endotoxemia does not appear to lead to greater abnormalities in clotting.

Research Methodology

The experiment involved two groups of healthy adult horses. Six of them had hyperglycemia induced via intravenous (IV) administration of dextrose (140 mg/kg), followed by a constant rate infusion of 20% dextrose, achieving blood sugar levels of 180-240 mg/dL. The other group of six horses was given a similar amount of saline, for comparison. All twelve horses then received a dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that incites endotoxemia. The coagulation parameters of their blood were observed and analyzed over a period of time.

• The specific parameters tested include Fibrogen concentration, Prothrombin time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), Thrombin Antithrombin concentration (TAT), and thromboelastometry measurements.
• These measurements were made at baseline, followed by regular intervals of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, and 22 hours after beginning the experiment.
• The results were further assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

The results showed subtle changes in certain coagulation parameters.

• Horses with induced hyperglycemia (GLU-LPS group) showed increased PT and TAT levels.
• Horses in the saline group (SAL-LPS group) showed changes in their thromboelastometry parameters. Specifically, they exhibited an increased clot formation time and decreased alpha angle and maximum clot firmness.
• There was one notable difference between the two groups: the SAL-LPS group displayed increased maximal clot firmness at three time points – 3, 6, and 22 hours post experiment initiation.

Conclusion

These minor alterations in coagulation parameters identified in each group are likely not clinically relevant, indicating that they would not result in significant health issues. The research also found that the co-existence of hyperglycemia and endotoxemia does not necessarily lead to more pronounced abnormalities in blood clotting, contradicting findings from human-based studies. This conclusion is based on the similar and minor changes observed in both the GLU-LPS and SAL-LPS groups.