Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline - 16 September 2022

The WHO Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline contains the Organization's most up-to-date recommendations for the use of therapeutics in the treatment of COVID-19. The latest version of this living guideline is available in pdf format (via the 'Download' button) and via an online platform, and is updated regularly as new evidence emerges. This twelfth version of the WHO living guideline now contains 19 recommendations. This latest update provides updated recommendations for remdesivir, addresses the use of combination therapy with corticosteroids, interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blockers and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in patients with severe or critical COVID-19, and modifies previous recommendations for the neutralizing monoclonal antibodies sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab in patients with non-severe COVID-19.

Hematological responses to hyperimmune plasma low dose administration in foals during weaning / Respostas hematológicas da administração de baixa dose de plasma hiperimune em potros no período de desmame

Weaning is a development stage that brings maternal independence, change of management and feeding, leading to immune deficit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters of foals in weaning phase after intravenous administration of hyperimmune plasma (1 mL/Kg) in low dose. Ten foal weaned from the Mangalarga Machador breed were used, being divided in control (GC; n=5) and treated group (GT; n=5). The results obtained show that hematological and biochemical parameters of foals that received low doses of hyperimmune plasma were within the reference range for the equine species.(AU)

O desmame é uma fase do desenvolvimento que traz independência materna, mudança de manejo e alimentação, levando ao déficit imunológico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de potros em fase de desmame após administração intravenosa de plasma hiperimune (1 mL / Kg) em baixa dose. Foram utilizados dez potros des-mamados da raça Mangalarga Machador, sendo divididos em grupo controle (GC; n = 5) e grupo tratado (GT; n = 5). Os resul-tados obtidos mostram que os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de potros que receberam baixas doses de plasma hiperi-mune estavam dentro da faixa de referência para a espécie equina.(AU)

Hematological responses to hyperimmune plasma low dose administration in foals during weaning / Respostas hematológicas da administração de baixa dose de plasma hiperimune em potros no período de desmame

Weaning is a development stage that brings maternal independence, change of management and feeding, leading to immune deficit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters of foals in weaning phase after intravenous administration of hyperimmune plasma (1 mL/Kg) in low dose. Ten foal weaned from the Mangalarga Machador breed were used, being divided in control (GC; n=5) and treated group (GT; n=5). The results obtained show that hematological and biochemical parameters of foals that received low doses of hyperimmune plasma were within the reference range for the equine species.

O desmame é uma fase do desenvolvimento que traz independência materna, mudança de manejo e alimentação, levando ao déficit imunológico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de potros em fase de desmame após administração intravenosa de plasma hiperimune (1 mL / Kg) em baixa dose. Foram utilizados dez potros des-mamados da raça Mangalarga Machador, sendo divididos em grupo controle (GC; n = 5) e grupo tratado (GT; n = 5). Os resul-tados obtidos mostram que os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de potros que receberam baixas doses de plasma hiperi-mune estavam dentro da faixa de referência para a espécie equina.

Experimental infection of tachyzoites of the NC1 strain of Neosporacaninum in female swine.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan that can cause reproductive problems in several animal species. Although N. caninum infection has been reported in swine, the pathogenesis and clinical signs are not fully known in this species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of experimental infection with tachyzoites of the N. caninum strain Nc1 in swine matrices at different stages of gestation. For that purpose, 12 gilts, seronegative for N. caninum and T. gondii, were selected and allocated into four groups of three animals each. Animals in group A were not inoculated (control) and animals in groups B, C, and D were inoculated intravenously with of 2.9 × 107 tachyzoites, 30 days before conception, and at 45 and 90 days of gestation, respectively. Temperature, heart rate, blood, saliva, and vaginal mucus samples from the animals were collected periodically until the time of delivery for the investigation of IgG and IgM antibodies against N. caninum using IFAT and PCR to detect the parasite DNA. All gilts sero-converted from 5 and 7 DPI (days postinoculation) to IgM and IgG, respectively. Two gilts showed hypothermia on the 5th and 7th DPI, and five inoculated animals had leukocytosis on the 7th DPI. It was possible to detect DNA of N. caninum in samples of saliva (33/84), vaginal mucus (17/84), and blood (2/84). Based on serology (IgM) and PCR, three animals in group B showed evidence of reappearance of the infection during pregnancy. It is concluded that N. caninum can cause clinical signs in infected swine females, in addition to indicating saliva as a suitable diagnostic biological material for the detection of N. caninum DNA in this animal species.

Plasma de convaleciente para el tratamiento de la COVID-19: Protocolo para el acceso y uso en Venezuela / Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of COVID-19: Protocol for access and use in Venezuela

En diciembre 2019, en Wuhan, China, se registró un aumento inusual de casos de infección respiratoria aguda de rápida progresión y alta letalidad. Al poco tiempo es identificado el agente causal, un coronavirus denominado SARS-CoV-2 y se caracteriza una nueva enfermedad, COVID-19. En ausencia hasta el momento de tratamientos específicos, eficaces y seguros, se justifica explorar alternativas científicamente fundamentadas a nuestro alcance como el uso de Plasma de Convaleciente (PC-CoV19) como coadyuvante para el tratamiento de la COVID-19. El plasma de pacientes recuperados de una enfermedad infecciosa, Plasma de Convaleciente, ha sido utilizado en el tratamiento de patologías infecciosas. Hay antecedentes inmediatos de su uso en enfermedades producidas por otro tipo de coronavirus y se registran experiencias y estudios clínicos con resultados preliminares durante esta pandemia. Quimbiotec, empresa productora de hemoderivados y fármacos recombinantes del Estado venezolano, y el Banco Municipal de Sangre, definen un protocolo para promover condiciones para la aféresis, procesamiento, conservación, almacenamiento, distribución, transfusión y evaluación de la seguridad y eficacia del PC-CoV19 como alternativa en el tratamiento de la COVID-19 en Venezuela. Se incluye la identificación de capacidades y de talento, la estructura física, equipos y especialistas necesarios, así como la definición de procesos para establecer rutinas controladas y auditables para sentar bases del acceso y uso del PC-CoV19 en el Sistema Nacional de Salud de Venezuela y preparar el diseño y ejecución de estudios clínicos. Se presenta el Protocolo y algunos nudos críticos en su ejecución a la fecha, herramientas y estrategias utilizadas para su solución(AU)

On December 2019, in Wuhan, China, there was an unusual increase in cases of a fast-progressing acute respiratory infection with high fatality rate. Soon after, the causing agent is identiied, a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, and a new disease, COVID-19 is characterized. Currently, in the absence of specific, effective and safe treatments, it is justified to explore all scientifically based alternatives available to us, such as the use of Convalescent Plasma (PC-CoV19) as acoadjutant treatment of COVID-19.Plasma from patients who have recovered from an infectious disease, Convalescent Plasma, has been used in the treatment of other infectious disease. There is recent history of its use in diseases caused by another type of coronavirus, and clinical experiences and studies have already been published with preliminary results during this pandemic. Quimbiotec, a Venezuelan State public company that produces blood products and recombinant drugs, and Banco Municipal de Sangre, deined a protocol to promote conditions for aphaeresis, processing, conservation, storage, distribution, transfusion, and evaluation of safety and eficacy of PC-CoV19 as an alternative for the treatment of COVID-19 in Venezuela. This protocol includes identification of capacities, physical structure, equipment and skills, talent, professionals needed, as well as a definition of processes to establish controlled and auditable routines to lay the foundations for access and use of PC-CoV19 in the Venezuela Health System, and prepare the design and implementation of clinical studies. The protocol and currently critical points in its implementation, as well as tools and strategies used for its solution, are presented(AU)

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSc) secretome: A possible therapeutic strategy for intensive-care COVID-19 patients.

As an emerging global health challenge, COVID-19 requires international knowledge to reach novel possible therapeutic strategies, especially for intensive-care patients. During the early stages of infection, pneumocytes II are the primary infected cells, harming the respiratory system. We have previous evidence in murine models that MSc's secretome can be used to treat pulmonary injuries induced with bleomycin, due to its content: growth factors, extracellular vesicles, and exosomes. We hypothesize and strongly recommend MSc secretome testing and production, in xenofree conditions, to be used as an alternative approach in SARS-Cov-2 patients in critical conditions.

Consideraciones regulatorias sobre la autorización del uso de plasma de convalecientes (PC) para atender la emergencia de COVID-19, 22 de abril de 2020 / Regulatory considerations on the authorization of the use of convalescent plasma (PC) to treat the COVID-19 emergency, April 22, 2020

La inmunización pasiva se ha utilizado para la prevención y el tratamiento de algunas enfermedades infecciosas humanas desde el siglo pasado. El plasma inmune obtenido de personas curadas o recuperadas fue el tratamiento de elección en casos de fiebre hemorrágica argentina. Además, fue utilizado en los brotes de ébola en África, y los brotes de SARS y MERS donde se pusieron en práctica protocolos de tratamiento similares, considerando que en el momento no existían otras alternativas terapéuticas. A la fecha, la experiencia con el uso de plasma de convalecientes para tratamiento de la COVID-19 es limitada pero los resultados preliminares indican una potencial utilidad. Diversos estudios clínicos controlados se encuentran en marcha, lo que permitirá recolectar mayor evidencia científica de calidad para confirmar la eficacia y seguridad de esta intervención. En este escenario, las recomendaciones prevén su uso bajo condiciones experimentales en el marco de la regulación de cada país. Por otro lado, se plantea el reto de la recolección, procesamiento y distribución de plasma de pacientes convalecientes en amplia escala para responder a las eventuales necesidades clínicas. Al respecto se han publicado diferentes orientaciones para la colecta y uso de plasma de pacientes convalecientes en enfermedades infecciosas, como en el brote de ébola e incluso para la actual situación de la COVID-19.

Purified human anti-Tn and anti-T antibodies specifically recognize carcinoma tissues.

Described in several epithelial cancer cells, Tn- (GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr) and T- (Galß3GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr) antigens are examples of tumor-associated antigens. Increased expression of Tn- and T-antigens is associated with tumor invasion and metastasis, and patients with high concentration of anti-Tn and anti-T antibodies have a more benign evolution of pathology. Asialofetuin (ASF) and ovine submaxillary mucin (OSM) are two glycoproteins that expose T- and Tn-antigen, respectively. In this work, using ASF or OSM we affinity-purified anti-T and anti-Tn antibodies from normal human plasma and tested their ability to specifically recognize tumor human tissues. Whereas purified anti-T antibodies (purity degree increase of 127-fold, and 22% recovery) were mainly IgG, for purified anti-Tn antibodies (purity degree enhancement of 125-fold, and 26% yield) the IgM fraction was predominant over the IgG one. IgG2 subclass was significantly enriched in both purified antibody samples. Purified antibodies did not bind normal human tissue (0/42), although recognized malignant tissues from different origin such as colon carcinoma (11/77 by anti-Tn; 7/79 by anti-T), breast carcinoma (10/23 by anti-Tn; 7/23 by anti-T), and kidney carcinoma (45/51 by anti-Tn; 42/51 by anti-T). Our results suggest that purified human anti-Tn and anti-T antibodies have a potential as anti-tumor therapeutic agents; restoring their levels in human sera could positively affect the evolution of patients with epithelial tumor pathologies.

Effect of fresh frozen plasma on the in vitro activation of U937 monocytes: a potential role for the age of blood donors and their underlying cytokine profile.

BACKGROUND: Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) administration may increase the risk of nosocomial infections in parallel with the development of immune modulation. This could be driven by soluble mediators, possibly influencing the in vitro activation of human U937 monocyte cells, in a manner dependent on the age of the donors. METHODS: FFP donors were stratified into groups of 19-30 years, 31-40 years or 41-50 years, and U937 cells were cultured with FFP (alone or plus lipopolysaccharide-LPS) for 24 h. Both in FFP and supernatants, TNF, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA. Additionally, CD11B, TLR2, and CASP3 gene expression were measured by qtPCR in U937 cells. Total phagocytic activity was also assayed. RESULTS: Elevated IL-10, but low TNF and IL-1ß levels were measured in FFP from individuals aged 19-40 years, whereas in individuals aged 41-50 years FFP were characterized by equalized TNF and IL-10 levels. Elevated IL-6 levels were found in all FFP samples, especially in those from the oldest individuals. FFP stimulation was associated with striking modifications in cytokine production in an age-dependent way. Exposure to FFP attenuates the response to LPS. TLR2 and CD11B expression were enhanced regardless of the age of plasma donors, although CASP3 expression was increased only when FFP from individuals aged 19-40 years were tested. Phagocytosis decreased after exposure to FFP regardless of donor age. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that soluble mediators in FFP may modulate the functioning of monocytes. Interestingly, this effect appears to be partially influenced by the age of donors.

Effect of fresh frozen plasma on the in vitro activation of U937 monocytes: a potential role for the age of blood donors and their underlying cytokine profile

BACKGROUND: Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) administration may increase the risk of nosocomial infections in parallel with the development of immune modulation. This could be driven by soluble mediators, possibly influencing the in vitro activation of human U937 monocyte cells, in a manner dependent on the age of the donors. METHODS: FFP donors were stratified into groups of 19-30 years, 31-40 years or 41-50 years, and U937 cells were cultured with FFP (alone or plus lipopolysaccharide-LPS) for 24 h. Both in FFP and supernatants, TNF, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA. Additionally, CD11B, TLR2, and CASP3 gene expression were measured by qtPCR in U937 cells. Total phagocytic activity was also assayed. RESULTS: Elevated IL-10, but low TNF and IL-1ß levels were measured in FFP from individuals aged 19-40 years, whereas in individuals aged 41-50 years FFP were characterized by equalized TNF and IL-10 levels. Elevated IL-6 levels were found in all FFP samples, especially in those from the oldest individuals. FFP stimulation was associated with striking modifications in cytokine production in an age-dependent way. Exposure to FFP attenuates the response to LPS. TLR2 and CD11B expression were enhanced regardless of the age of plasma donors, although CASP3 expression was increased only when FFP from individuals aged 19-40 years were tested. Phagocytosis decreased after exposure to FFP regardless of donor age. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that soluble mediators in FFP may modulate the functioning of monocytes. Interestingly, this effect appears to be partially influenced by the age of donors.

Plasma como muestra alternativa para cuantificar antitoxina tetánica / Plasma as alternatively sample to quantify tetanus antitoxin

En los bancos de sangre de Cuba se cuantifica antitoxina tetánica, a partir del suero de donantes inmunizados, para producir una gammaglobulina humana específica. Se emplea un ensayo inmunoenzimático heterogéneo de tipo indirecto, que utiliza el suero como muestra analítica. En este trabajo se evalúo el posible empleo del plasma obtenido de la plasmaféresis como muestra alternativa, para minimizar el volumen de sangre total extraído a los donantes. Se seleccionó por muestreo aleatorio simple, 100 donantes de plasma que acudieron a donar entre octubre y noviembre del 2013. Para la obtención de suero se realizó una extracción de 5 mL de sangre por punción venosa, depositada en tubo de ensayo de cristal seco. La muestra de 1,5 mL de plasma se obtuvo al final de la donación, colectada en un tubo plástico con tapa. Se realizó la comparación de la diferencia de medias de ambos grupos, utilizando el programa estadístico informático SPSS para Windows. Los valores de antitoxina tetánica en suero fueron mayores que los del plasma. La media de las diferencias entre ambos grupos resultó estadísticamente significativa (p=0,00). No se recomienda usar el plasma que se obtiene de la plasmaféresis como muestra analítica para este ensayo(AU)

Tetanus antitoxin is quantified in Cuba at blood banks, from the serum of immunized donors, to produce a specific human gamma globulin. A heterogeneous indirect immunoenzymatic assay is used, using the serum as analytical sample. The possible use of plasma obtained from plasmapheresis as alternative sample was evaluated in this research, to minimize the volume of total blood extracted to the donors. One hundred plasma donors who came to donate between October and November 2013 were selected by simple random sampling. Serum sample was obtained for extraction of 5 mL of blood, deposited in dry glass tube. While the other sample took 1.5 mL of plasma in a plastic tube with cover, at the end of the donation directly of the unit of plasma collected. Comparison of the difference between the means of both groups was done using SPSS for Windows. It was found that the values obtained in serum were bigger than those obtained in plasma. Difference between the means of both groups was statistically significant (p 0.00). It is not advisable to use the obtained plasma of the plasmapheresis as analytic sample in this assay(AU)

Rotavirus specific plasma secretory immunoglobulin in children with acute gastroenteritis and children vaccinated with an attenuated human rotavirus vaccine.

Rotavirus (RV)-specific secretory immunoglobulin (RV-SIg) has been previously detected in serum of naturally RV infected children and shown to reflect the intestinal Ig immune response. Total plasma SIgA and plasma RV-SIg were evaluated by ELISA in children with gastroenteritis due or not due to RV infection and in 50 children vaccinated with the attenuated RIX4414 human RV vaccine and 62 placebo recipients. RV-SIg was only detected in children with evidence of previous RV infection or with acute RV gastroenteritis. Vaccinees had higher RV-SIg titers than placebo recipients and RV-SIg titers increased after the second vaccine dose. RV-SIg measured after the second dose correlated with protection when vaccinees and placebo recipients were analyzed jointly. RV-SIg may serve as a valuable correlate of protection for RV vaccines.

Antivenenos ofídicos: comparación del desempeño de dos métodos de obtención / Snake Antivenoms: Performance Comparison of Two Preparation Methods

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los sueros antiofídicos pueden prepararse por precipitación de suero o plasma equino hiperinmune con sulfato de amonio o con ácido caprílico. OBJETIVO:Comparar el rendimiento de ambos métodos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Las inmunoglobulinas se precipitaron con sulfato de amonio, y la albúmina con ácido caprílico. El nivel de anticuerpos en la preparación final se midió por el método de ELISA. RESULTADOS: El ácido caprílico al 3...

INTRODUCTION: Antivenom sera can be prepared by precipitation of hyperimmune equine serum or plasma with ammonium sulfate or caprylic acid. OBJECTIVE:To compare the performance of both methods. METHODS:The immunoglobulins were precipitated with ammonium sulfate, and the albumin with caprylic acid. The antibody level in the final preparation was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The 3...

Antivenenos ofídicos: comparación del desempeño de dos métodos de obtención / Snake Antivenoms: Performance Comparison of Two Preparation Methods

INTRODUCCION: Los sueros antiofídicos pueden prepararse por precipitación de suero o plasma equino hiperinmune con sulfato de amonio o con ácido caprílico. OBJETIVO:Comparar el rendimiento de ambos métodos. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Las inmunoglobulinas se precipitaron con sulfato de amonio, y la albúmina con ácido caprílico. El nivel de anticuerpos en la preparación final se midió por el método de ELISA. RESULTADOS: El ácido caprílico al 3...(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Antivenom sera can be prepared by precipitation of hyperimmune equine serum or plasma with ammonium sulfate or caprylic acid. OBJECTIVE:To compare the performance of both methods. METHODS:The immunoglobulins were precipitated with ammonium sulfate, and the albumin with caprylic acid. The antibody level in the final preparation was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The 3...(AU)

Efeito de dietas contendo plasma sanguíneo desidratado sobre características microbiológicas, imunológicas e histológicas de leitões leves ao desmame / Effect of spray-dried plasma diets on microbiological, immunological and histological parameters of light weight weaned pigs

Foram avaliados os efeitos do plasma sanguíneo desidratado (PSD) sobre desempenho, perfil imunológico, histológico, microbiológico e peso de órgãos de leitões leves, desmamados aos 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 24 leitões, com idade média inicial de 21 dias, em delineamento experimental completamente ao acaso. Os tratamentos foram: T1 - animais pesados ao desmame, sem suplementação com PSD; T2 - animais leves ao desmame, suplementados com 10g/animal/dia de PSD; T3 - animais leves ao desmame, suplementados com 20g/animal/dia de PSD; T4 - animais leves ao desmame, sem suplementação com PSD. A adição de 20g de PSD na dieta melhorou o ganho diário de peso, aumentou o peso (g/kg) do baço e o título de IgA no soro entre 21 e 31 dias de idade. A inclusão de 10g de PSD aumentou o comprimento e a largura do linfonodo ileocólico. A inclusão de PSD traz benefícios aos leitões nos primeiros 10 dias pós-desmame, atuando principalmente nos órgãos linfoides e na mucosa intestinal.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of spray-dried plasma (SDP) on the growth performance, immunological, histological and microbiological profile and weight of organs of light weight weaned pigs. The trial was done using 24 pigs with an initial mean age of 21 days in a completely randomized experimental design. The treatments were: T1 - heavy weight weaned pigs, without SDP supplementation; T2 - light weight weaned pigs, supplemented with 10g/animal/day of SDP; T3 - light weight weaned pigs, supplemented with 20g/animal/day of SDP; T4 - light weight weaned pigs, without SDP supplementation. The inclusion of 20g of SDP in the diet improved the weight gain, spleen weight (g/kg) and serum IgA title between 21 and 31 days of age. The inclusion of 10g of SDP in the diet improved the length and width of the ileocolic lymph node. In the first 10 days after weaning, SDP improved the development of lymphoid organs and the protection of the intestinal mucosa.

Efeito de dietas contendo plasma sanguíneo desidratado sobre características microbiológicas, imunológicas e histológicas de leitões leves ao desmame / Effect of spray-dried plasma diets on microbiological, immunological and histological parameters of light weight weaned pigs

Foram avaliados os efeitos do plasma sanguíneo desidratado (PSD) sobre desempenho, perfil imunológico, histológico, microbiológico e peso de órgãos de leitões leves, desmamados aos 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 24 leitões, com idade média inicial de 21 dias, em delineamento experimental completamente ao acaso. Os tratamentos foram: T1 - animais pesados ao desmame, sem suplementação com PSD; T2 - animais leves ao desmame, suplementados com 10g/animal/dia de PSD; T3 - animais leves ao desmame, suplementados com 20g/animal/dia de PSD; T4 - animais leves ao desmame, sem suplementação com PSD. A adição de 20g de PSD na dieta melhorou o ganho diário de peso, aumentou o peso (g/kg) do baço e o título de IgA no soro entre 21 e 31 dias de idade. A inclusão de 10g de PSD aumentou o comprimento e a largura do linfonodo ileocólico. A inclusão de PSD traz benefícios aos leitões nos primeiros 10 dias pós-desmame, atuando principalmente nos órgãos linfoides e na mucosa intestinal.(AU)

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of spray-dried plasma (SDP) on the growth performance, immunological, histological and microbiological profile and weight of organs of light weight weaned pigs. The trial was done using 24 pigs with an initial mean age of 21 days in a completely randomized experimental design. The treatments were: T1 - heavy weight weaned pigs, without SDP supplementation; T2 - light weight weaned pigs, supplemented with 10g/animal/day of SDP; T3 - light weight weaned pigs, supplemented with 20g/animal/day of SDP; T4 - light weight weaned pigs, without SDP supplementation. The inclusion of 20g of SDP in the diet improved the weight gain, spleen weight (g/kg) and serum IgA title between 21 and 31 days of age. The inclusion of 10g of SDP in the diet improved the length and width of the ileocolic lymph node. In the first 10 days after weaning, SDP improved the development of lymphoid organs and the protection of the intestinal mucosa.(AU)

Plasmaférese automatizada em equinos: relato de dois casos / Automated plasmapheresis in horses: report of two cases

A plasmaférese é um procedimento que consiste na retirada do sangue total de um doador e em seguida, separação do plasma com reinfusão dos elementos remanescentes. Este procedimento pode ser realizado de forma manual ou automatizada, com poucos relatos da técnica automatizada na espécie equina. Este artigo busca relatar a plasmaférese automatizada em dois equinos, para obtenção de plasma hiperimune, avaliando-se as complicações inerentes à técnica; e a variação e recuperação do volume globular e níveis séricos de proteínas totais nos animais doadores. Para os relatos foi utilizado o equipamento Fresenius AS 104, objetivando-se retirada de 20% do plasma total circulante com a proporção inicial de citrato de sódio de 1:12 no sistema extracorpóreo. Durante o procedimento observou-se obstrução por coagulação sanguínea no cateter de reinfusão e flebites jugulares nos doadores. A recuperação do volume globular e níveis séricos de proteínas totais ocorreu em 96 horas. Apesar da satisfatória recuperação hematimétrica nos dois animais, há a necessidade de novas pesquisas para a adequação da plasmaférese automatizada em equinos, na tentativa de diminuir as complicações inerentes à técnica.(AU)

Plasmapheresis is a procedure that consists of removing the blood from a donor, followed by subsequent plasma separation and reinfusion of the remaining elements. This procedure can be manual or automated, with a few reports of automated plasmapheresis in the equine specie. This article reports two cases of automated plasmapheresis in horses that were conducted to obtain hyperimmune plasma, while evaluating the complications inherent to the technique; as well as variation and recuperation of hematocrit and serum total proteins in the donors. The equipment Fresenius AS 104 was used to remove 20 % of total plasma with the initial sodium citrate ratio of 1:12 in the extracorporeal system. During the procedure, the reinfusion catheter was obstructed by blood clots and jugular vein phlebitis was observed in the donors. The recovery of hematocrit and total protein serum levels occurred in 96 hours. Despite the satisfactory recovery of hematimetric levels in the two animals, further research is needed into the suitability of automated plasmapheresis in horses, in an attempt to reduce the complications inherent to the technique.(AU)

Concentração plasmática de cortisol decorrente do exercício físico em cavalos de enduro / Plasma cortisol level attributable to physical exercise in endurance horses

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar a intensidade do exercício físico e as concentrações de cortisol plasmático em cavalos de enduro, uma competição em que somente animais experientes podem competir nas provas mais longas. Foram utilizados 30 equinos Puro Sangue Árabe e mestiços Árabe, machos ou fêmeas participantes de provas de enduro. Foram divididos em três grupos de 10 animais: (G1): percorreram mais de 100km, (G2): percorreram menos de 100km, e (G3): desqualificados por causa metabólica. Foram realizadas dosagens de cortisol plasmático em três momentos diferentes: (t0): dia anterior à competição, (t1): 30 a 60 minutos após o término da prova e, (t2): 90 a 120 minutos após o término da prova. Concluiu-se que o enduro leva ao aumento do cortisol plasmático; animais que percorrem maiores distâncias apresentam menor aumento das concentrações de cortisol; animais desqualificados por causa metabólica, que passam por situações de extremo esforço físico, tendem a valores de cortisol mais elevados e animais menos experientes apresentam valores de cortisol mais elevados mesmo tendo percorrido menores distâncias.(AU)

The objective of this study was to establish a relationship between exercise and plasma cortisol levels in endurance horses. A race in which only experienced animals may run longer distances. Thirty male and female, Arabians and crossbred Arabian horses that compete in endurance races were used. They were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: G1, ran more than 100km; G2, ran less than 100km; and G3, disqualified due to metabolic problems. Plasma cortisol was quantified at three different moments: t0, the day before the competition; t1, 30 to 60 minutes after the end of the circuit; and t2, 90 to 120 minutes after the end of the circuit. It was concluded that endurance exercise led to an increase of plasma cortisol levels; animals that run longer distances have lower cortisol increase; disqualified animals, who suffered great physical effort, tend to have high cortisol levels and less experienced animals have higher cortisol levels despite running shorter distances.(AU)

Concentração plasmática de cortisol decorrente do exercício físico em cavalos de enduro / Plasma cortisol level attributable to physical exercise in endurance horses

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar a intensidade do exercício físico e as concentrações de cortisol plasmático em cavalos de enduro, uma competição em que somente animais experientes podem competir nas provas mais longas. Foram utilizados 30 equinos Puro Sangue Árabe e mestiços Árabe, machos ou fêmeas participantes de provas de enduro. Foram divididos em três grupos de 10 animais: (G1): percorreram mais de 100km, (G2): percorreram menos de 100km, e (G3): desqualificados por causa metabólica. Foram realizadas dosagens de cortisol plasmático em três momentos diferentes: (t0): dia anterior à competição, (t1): 30 a 60 minutos após o término da prova e, (t2): 90 a 120 minutos após o término da prova. Concluiu-se que o enduro leva ao aumento do cortisol plasmático; animais que percorrem maiores distâncias apresentam menor aumento das concentrações de cortisol; animais desqualificados por causa metabólica, que passam por situações de extremo esforço físico, tendem a valores de cortisol mais elevados e animais menos experientes apresentam valores de cortisol mais elevados mesmo tendo percorrido menores distâncias.

The objective of this study was to establish a relationship between exercise and plasma cortisol levels in endurance horses. A race in which only experienced animals may run longer distances. Thirty male and female, Arabians and crossbred Arabian horses that compete in endurance races were used. They were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: G1, ran more than 100km; G2, ran less than 100km; and G3, disqualified due to metabolic problems. Plasma cortisol was quantified at three different moments: t0, the day before the competition; t1, 30 to 60 minutes after the end of the circuit; and t2, 90 to 120 minutes after the end of the circuit. It was concluded that endurance exercise led to an increase of plasma cortisol levels; animals that run longer distances have lower cortisol increase; disqualified animals, who suffered great physical effort, tend to have high cortisol levels and less experienced animals have higher cortisol levels despite running shorter distances.

Plasmaférese automatizada em equinos: relato de dois casos / Automated plasmapheresis in horses: report of two cases

A plasmaférese é um procedimento que consiste na retirada do sangue total de um doador e em seguida, separação do plasma com reinfusão dos elementos remanescentes. Este procedimento pode ser realizado de forma manual ou automatizada, com poucos relatos da técnica automatizada na espécie equina. Este artigo busca relatar a plasmaférese automatizada em dois equinos, para obtenção de plasma hiperimune, avaliando-se as complicações inerentes à técnica; e a variação e recuperação do volume globular e níveis séricos de proteínas totais nos animais doadores. Para os relatos foi utilizado o equipamento Fresenius AS 104, objetivando-se retirada de 20% do plasma total circulante com a proporção inicial de citrato de sódio de 1:12 no sistema extracorpóreo. Durante o procedimento observou-se obstrução por coagulação sanguínea no cateter de reinfusão e flebites jugulares nos doadores. A recuperação do volume globular e níveis séricos de proteínas totais ocorreu em 96 horas. Apesar da satisfatória recuperação hematimétrica nos dois animais, há a necessidade de novas pesquisas para a adequação da plasmaférese automatizada em equinos, na tentativa de diminuir as complicações inerentes à técnica.

Plasmapheresis is a procedure that consists of removing the blood from a donor, followed by subsequent plasma separation and reinfusion of the remaining elements. This procedure can be manual or automated, with a few reports of automated plasmapheresis in the equine specie. This article reports two cases of automated plasmapheresis in horses that were conducted to obtain hyperimmune plasma, while evaluating the complications inherent to the technique; as well as variation and recuperation of hematocrit and serum total proteins in the donors. The equipment Fresenius AS 104 was used to remove 20 % of total plasma with the initial sodium citrate ratio of 1:12 in the extracorporeal system. During the procedure, the reinfusion catheter was obstructed by blood clots and jugular vein phlebitis was observed in the donors. The recovery of hematocrit and total protein serum levels occurred in 96 hours. Despite the satisfactory recovery of hematimetric levels in the two animals, further research is needed into the suitability of automated plasmapheresis in horses, in an attempt to reduce the complications inherent to the technique.