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Equine veterinary journal2005; 37(6); 552-556; doi: 10.2746/042516405775314853

Use of serum amyloid A and other acute phase reactants to monitor the inflammatory response after castration in horses: a field study.

Abstract: Early recognition of excessive inflammation and infectious complications after surgery, leading to early institution of therapy, reduces post operative discomfort and facilitates recovery. Because serum amyloid A (SAA) is a highly sensitive marker of inflammation, measurements of SAA and other acute phase reactants in the equine surgical patient may be valuable in assisting clinical assessment of post operative inflammation. Objective: To investigate changes in inflammatory markers after castration and to correlate levels of acute phase reactants with clinical severity of inflammation after castration. Methods: Leucocyte numbers and blood levels of iron, SAA and fibrinogen were determined before castration and on Days 3 and 8 post operatively in 2 groups of horses; Group 1 (n = 11) had mild post operative inflammation and an uncomplicated recovery and Group 2 (n = 7) had local clinical signs of moderate to severe inflammation. Results: Both groups had elevated serum SAA levels at Day 3 post operatively. In Group 1 concentrations had returned to preoperative levels by Day 8, whereas in Group 2 concentrations remained elevated. Plasma fibrinogen concentrations in serum increased to equal levels in both groups and stayed elevated throughout the study period. Serum iron concentrations of Group 1 did not change in response to castration, whereas concentrations in Group 2 decreased below preoperative levels on Day 8. Leucocyte numbers remained unchanged during the post operative period in both groups. Conclusions: Serum SAA and iron profiles reflected the course of inflammation and their levels correlated with the clinical severity of inflammation. In contrast, fever and changes in leucocyte numbers, which are usually considered to be hallmarks of inflammation and infection, were not useful for monitoring post operative recovery. Conclusions: Measurements of SAA and iron may improve post operative monitoring. As sustained inflammation may indicate that the surgical wound has become infected, SAA and iron measurements may facilitate early recognition and hence early treatment of infection.
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Publication Date: 2005-11-22 PubMed ID: 16295934DOI: 10.2746/042516405775314853Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigated the changes in inflammatory markers, primarily serum amyloid A (SAA), after castration in horses to determine if they can assist in assessing post-operative inflammation. The study found that SAA and iron levels reflected the course and severity of inflammation, suggesting their potential utility in post-operative monitoring and facilitating early treatment if infections arise.

Study Objectives and Methods

The primary objective of the study was to understand the changes in inflammatory markers following castration in horses and find correlations between the levels of acute phase reactants and the clinical severity of inflammation. This was based on the premise that SAA and other acute phase reactants can be valuable markers to assess post-operative inflammation.

  • The study categorized 18 horses into two groups based on the severity of post-operative inflammation: Group 1 (11 horses) had mild inflammation and an uncomplicated recovery, while Group 2 (7 horses) displayed moderate to severe inflammation.
  • Researchers monitored leukocyte numbers and blood levels of iron, SAA, and fibrinogen prior to castration and on Days 3 and 8 post-operatively.

Study Results

  • Both groups manifested increased serum SAA levels on Day 3 post-operatively. However, for Group 1, SAA concentrations returned to preoperative levels by Day 8, whereas they remained elevated in Group 2.
  • Plasma fibrinogen concentrations increased uniformly in both groups and remained so throughout the study period.
  • While the serum iron concentrations in Group 1 remained unchanged post-castration, in Group 2 they fell below preoperative levels by Day 8.
  • Leukocyte numbers stayed consistent during the post-operative period in both groups.

Conclusions and Implications

The results revealed that serum SAA and iron profiles mirrored the course of inflammation and their levels correlated with the clinical severity of the inflammation. Interestingly, findings traditionally considered significant indicators of inflammation and infection, such as fever and changes in leukocyte numbers, did not contribute helpful data for monitoring post-operative recovery.

  • This suggests that measurements of SAA and iron could enhance post-operative monitoring.
  • As persistent inflammation may imply an infected surgical wound, SAA and iron measurements could facilitate early detection and consequent rapid initiation of treatment for infection.

Cite This Article

APA
Jacobsen S, Jensen JC, Frei S, Jensen AL, Thoefner MB. (2005). Use of serum amyloid A and other acute phase reactants to monitor the inflammatory response after castration in horses: a field study. Equine Vet J, 37(6), 552-556. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516405775314853

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 37
Issue: 6
Pages: 552-556

Researcher Affiliations

Jacobsen, S
  • Department of Large Animal Sciences, Large Animal Surgery, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Dyrlaegevej, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jensen, J C
    Frei, S
      Jensen, A L
        Thoefner, M B

          MeSH Terms

          • Acute-Phase Proteins / analysis
          • Animals
          • Biomarkers / blood
          • Cohort Studies
          • Horse Diseases / blood
          • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
          • Horses
          • Inflammation / blood
          • Inflammation / diagnosis
          • Inflammation / veterinary
          • Leukocyte Count / veterinary
          • Male
          • Orchiectomy / adverse effects
          • Orchiectomy / veterinary
          • Postoperative Complications / blood
          • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
          • Prospective Studies
          • Serum Amyloid A Protein / analysis
          • Severity of Illness Index

          Citations

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