Longitudinal assessment of adrenocortical steroid and steroid precursor response to illness in hospitalized foals.

Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal foals. Relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI), defined as an inadequate cortisol response to stress, has been associated with sepsis, prematurity, and poor outcome in newborn foals. In addition to cortisol, the adrenal gland synthesizes several biologically important steroids and steroid precursors, including aldosterone, androgens, and progestogens. However, concentration of these hormones during hospitalization and their association with the severity of disease and mortality in critically ill foals have not been completely evaluated. We hypothesized, that in addition to cortisol and aldosterone, concentration of steroid precursors (progestogens and androgens) will be altered in critically ill foals. We also proposed that septic foals will have higher concentrations of steroid precursors than healthy foals, and steroid concentrations will be persistently increased during hospitalization in non-surviving septic and premature foals. Foals <4 days of age were categorized as healthy, septic, sick non-septic, and premature based on physical exam, medical history, and laboratory data. Blood samples were collected on admission (0 h), 24 h, and 72 h after admission. Concentrations of steroids and ACTH were measured by immunoassays. The area under the curve over 72 h (AUC0-72h) of hospitalization was calculated for each hormone. Serum cortisol, aldosterone, progesterone, pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were higher in septic and premature foals compared to healthy foals at 0 h and throughout 72 h of hospitalization (P < 0.05). Plasma ACTH concentrations were higher in septic and premature foals on admission compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). The progesterone (AUC0-72h) cut-off value above which non-survival could be reliably predicted in hospitalized foals was 1,085 ng/mL/h, with 82% sensitivity and 77% specificity. Critically ill neonatal foals had an appropriate response to stress characterized by increased concentrations of cortisol and steroid precursors on admission. A rapid decline in steroid concentration was observed in healthy foals. However, persistently elevated progestogen and androgen concentrations were associated with a lack of improvement in the course of disease and poor outcome.

C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone in healthy and hospitalized foals.

Hypocalcemia is a common finding in critically ill equine patients. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps to maintain calcium homeostasis in hypocalcemic patients by promoting renal calcium reabsorption and bone resorption. Increased serum PTH concentrations have been reported in critically ill people and animals, including horses and foals. It is unknown whether increased secretion of PTH is associated with markers of bone turnover in hospitalized foals. The goals of this study were to measure markers of bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [CTX-I]) and bone formation (osteocalcin [OCN]; alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and to determine their association with PTH concentrations, disease severity, and mortality in hospitalized foals. This prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 newborn foals ≤3 d old divided into hospitalized (n = 65; 41 septic; 24 sick nonseptic) and healthy (n = 10) groups. Blood samples were collected on admission to measure serum CTX-I, OCN, and PTH concentrations and ALP activity. Data were analyzed by nonparametric methods and univariate logistic regression. Serum CTX-I and PTH concentrations were significantly higher, whereas OCN concentrations were lower, in septic compared with healthy foals (P < 0.05). Serum ALP activity was not different between groups; however, it was lower in hospitalized and septic foals with low OCN concentrations (P < 0.05). In hospitalized foals, PTH concentrations were positively correlated with CTX-I concentrations and inversely associated with ALP activity (P < 0.05). High CTX-I and low OCN concentrations were associated with disease severity (P < 0.05). Hospitalized nonsurviving foals had significantly lower OCN concentrations compared with survivors (P < 0.05), but CTX-I concentrations were not associated with survival. Hospitalized foals with PTH concentrations >12.4 pmol/L were more likely to die (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1-4.16; P < 0.05). Elevated PTH and CTX-I together with reduced OCN concentrations and ALP activity in sick foals indicates that bone resorption is increased during critical illness, which may be a compensatory mechanism to correct hypocalcemia or reflect a response to systemic inflammation and metabolic imbalances. Bone resorption could negatively impact skeletal development in the growing foal. Low OCN and high PTH concentrations were predictors of nonsurvival in hospitalized foals.

The FGF-23/klotho axis and its relationship with phosphorus, calcium, vitamin D, PTH, aldosterone, severity of disease, and outcome in hospitalised foals.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and klotho are key regulators of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis as well as phosphorus and calcium homeostasis; however, information on the FGF-23/klotho axis in healthy and hospitalised foals is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to measure serum FGF-23 and klotho concentrations and determine their association with serum phosphorus, total calcium (TCa), vitamin D metabolite [25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2 D], PTH, and aldosterone concentrations, disease severity, and mortality in hospitalised foals. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 91 foals ≤72 h old were classified as hospitalised (n = 81; 58 septic; 23 sick non-septic [SNS]) and healthy (n = 10). Blood samples were collected on admission. Hormone concentrations were determined by immunoassays. RESULTS: Serum FGF-23, PTH, phosphorus, and aldosterone concentrations were higher while klotho, 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2 D, and TCa concentrations were lower in septic and SNS compared to healthy foals (P<0.05). In hospitalised and septic foals, increased FGF-23 and aldosterone concentrations were associated with high phosphorus and PTH but not with TCa and vitamin D metabolite concentrations. Hospitalised foals with the highest FGF-23 and lowest klotho concentrations were more likely to die (odds ratio (OR): 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-10.3 and OR: 3.1; CI: 1.1-8.0, respectively). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Blood gas, ionised calcium, blood culture information not being available for many foals, and use of the sepsis score to classify hospitalised foals. CONCLUSIONS: Imbalances in the FGF-23/klotho axis may contribute to mineral dyshomeostasis and disease progression in critically ill foals. Elevated FGF-23 and reduced klotho, together with high phosphorus and PTH concentrations suggests FGF-23 resistance. FGF-23 and klotho are good markers of disease severity and likelihood of mortality in hospitalised foals. Aldosterone may influence phosphorus and PTH dynamics in hospitalised foals. Routine measurement of phosphorus concentrations in sick foals is recommended.

Evaluation of updated sepsis scoring systems and systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and their association with sepsis in equine neonates.

BACKGROUND: The original equine sepsis score provided a method of identifying foals with sepsis. New variables associated with sepsis have been evaluated, but the sepsis score has not been updated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of 2 updated sepsis scores and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria in regard to detecting sepsis in foals. ANIMALS: Two-hundred and seventy-three ill foals and 25 healthy control foals. METHODS: Historical, physical examination, and clinicopathologic findings were used to calculate the original sepsis score and 2 updated sepsis scores. SIRS criteria were also evaluated. Sepsis scores and positive SIRS scores were statistically compared to foals with sepsis. RESULTS: One-hundred and twenty-six foals were septic and 147 sick-nonseptic. The original and updated sepsis scores were significantly higher in septic foals as compared to sick-nonseptic and healthy foals. The sensitivity and specificity of the updated sepsis scores to predict sepsis were not significantly better than those of the original sepsis score. One-hundred and twenty-seven of 273 (46.5%) foals met the original SIRS criteria and 88/273 (32%) foals met the equine neonatal SIRS criteria. The original SIRS criteria had similar sensitivity and specificity for predicting sepsis as did the 3 sepsis scores in our study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The updated sepsis scores did not provide improved ability in predicting sepsis. Fulfilling the original SIRS criteria provided similar sensitivity and specificity in predicting sepsis as the modified sepsis score and might serve as a diagnostic aid in identifying foals at risk for sepsis.

Effect of Intravenous Administration of Cobalt Chloride to Horses on Clinical and Hemodynamic Variables.

BACKGROUND: Cobalt chloride (CoCl2 ) is administered to racehorses to enhance performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, cardiovascular, and endocrine effects of parenterally administered CoCl2 . OBJECTIVES: To describe the effects of weekly intravenous doses of CoCl2 on Standardbred horses. ANIMALS: Five, healthy Standardbred mares. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, experimental dose-escalation pilot. Five Standardbred mares were assigned to receive 1 of 5 doses of CoCl2 (4, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0.25 mg/kg) weekly IV for 5 weeks. Physical examination, blood pressure, cardiac output, and electrocardiography (ECG) were evaluated for 4 hours after administration of the first and fifth doses. Blood and urine samples were collected for evaluation of cobalt concentration, CBC and clinical chemistry, and hormone concentrations. RESULTS: All mares displayed pawing, nostril flaring, muscle tremors, and straining after CoCl2 infusion. Mares receiving 4, 2, or 1 mg/kg doses developed tachycardia after dosing (HR 60-126 bpm). Ventricular tachycardia was noted for 10 minutes after administration of the 4 mg/kg dose. Increases in systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) occurred after administration of all doses (4, 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/kg). Profound hypertension was observed after the 4 mg/kg dose (SAP/DAP, MAP [mmHg] = 291-300/163-213, 218-279). Hemodynamics normalized by 1-2 hours after administration. ACTH and cortisol concentrations increased within 30 minutes of administration of all CoCl2 doses, and cardiac troponin I concentration increased after administration of the 4 and 2 mg/kg doses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The degree of hypertension and arrhythmia observed after IV CoCl2 administration raises animal welfare and human safety concerns.

Preliminary investigation of orally administered benazepril in horses with left-sided valvular regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Despite the paucity of data available, orally administered angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are empirically used in horses with valvular regurgitation. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the echocardiographic and hormonal changes in response to oral benazepril in horses with left-sided valvular regurgitation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Horses with mitral valve (MR) and/or aortic valve regurgitation (AR) received oral benazepril (n = 6) at a dosage of 1 mg/kg q 12 h or a placebo (n = 5) for 28 days. Echocardiography was performed before drug administration and after 28 days of treatment. Plasma renin activity, serum ACE activity, angiotensin II concentration, aldosterone concentration and biochemical variables were measured before drug administration and after 7 and 28 days of treatment. RESULTS: Relative to baseline, horses treated with benazepril had statistically significant reduction in left ventricular internal diameter in systole (mean difference between groups = -0.97 cm; 95% CI = -1.5 to -0.43 cm), aortic sinus diameter (-0.31 cm; -0.54 to -0.07 cm), and percentage of the aortic annulus diameter occupied by the base of the AR jet (-17.05%; -31.17 to -2.93%) compared with horses receiving a placebo. In addition, horses treated with benazepril had a significantly greater increase in cardiac output (11.95 L/min; 1.17-22.73 L/min) and fractional shortening (7.59%; 3.3-11.88%) compared with horses receiving a placebo. Despite profound serum ACE inhibition, renin activity and concentrations of angiotensin II and aldosterone were not significantly different between treatment groups or among time points. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Very small sample size and short treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with oral benazepril resulted in statistically significant echocardiographic changes that might indicate reduced cardiac afterload in horses with left-sided valvular regurgitation. Additional studies with a larger sample size will be necessary to determine if administration of benazepril is beneficial in horses with valvular regurgitation. The Summary is available in Spanish - see Supporting Information.

Steroids, steroid precursors, and neuroactive steroids in critically ill equine neonates.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) dysfunction has been associated with sepsis and mortality in foals. Most studies have focused on cortisol, while other steroids have not been investigated. The objectives of this study were to characterise the adrenal steroid and steroid precursor response to disease and to determine their association with the HPAA response to illness, disease severity, and mortality in hospitalised foals. All foals (n=326) were classified by two scoring systems into three categories: based on the sepsis score (septic, sick non-septic [SNS] and healthy) and the foal survival score (Group 1: 3-18%; Group 2: 38-62%; Group 3: 82-97% likelihood of survival). Blood concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and steroids were determined by immunoassays. ACTH-cortisol imbalance (ACI) was defined as a high ACTH/cortisol ratio. Septic foals had higher ACTH, cortisol, progesterone, 17α-OH-progesterone, pregnenolone, and androstenedione concentrations as well as higher ACTH/cortisol, ACTH/progesterone, ACTH/aldosterone, and ACTH/DHEAS ratios than SNS and healthy foals (P<0.01). Foals with DHEAS of 0.4-5.4ng/mL were more likely to have ACI (OR=2.5). Foals in Group 1 had higher ACTH, aldosterone, progesterone, and cortisol concentrations as well as ACTH/cortisol, ACTH/progesterone, and ACTH/DHEAS ratios than foals in Groups 2 and 3 (P<0.01). High progesterone concentrations were associated with non-survival and the cutoff value below which survival could be predicted was 23.5ng/mL, with 75% sensitivity and 72% specificity. In addition to cortisol, the response to the stress of illness in foals is characterised by the release of multiple adrenal steroids. DHEAS and progesterone were good predictors of HPAA dysfunction and outcome in hospitalised foals.

Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Concentration in Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hyperphosphatemia, decreased vitamin D metabolite concentrations, and hyperparathyroidism. This syndrome is known as CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Recently, it has been shown that an increase in fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) concentration is an early biomarker of CKD in people. It is an independent risk factor for both progression of renal disease and survival time in humans and cats with CKD. Information about FGF-23 in healthy dogs and those with CKD is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To measure FGF-23 concentration in dogs with different stages of CKD and determine its association with factors involved in CKD-MBD, including serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. A secondary aim was to validate an ELISA for measurement of plasma FGF-23 concentration in dogs. ANIMALS: Thirty-two client-owned dogs with naturally occurring CKD and 10 healthy control dogs. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study. An FGF-23 ELISA was used to measure plasma FGF-23 concentration in dogs and their association with serum creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, and PTH concentrations. RESULTS: Plasma FGF-23 concentrations increased with severity of CKD and were significantly different between IRIS stages 1 and 2 versus stages 3 and 4 (P < .0001). Increases in FGF-23 concentrations were more frequent than hyperparathyroidism or hyperphosphatemia in this cohort. Serum creatinine and phosphorus concentrations were the strongest independent predictors of FGF-23 concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Plasma FGF-23 concentrations increase in dogs with CKD as disease progresses. Plasma FGF-23 concentrations appear to be useful for further study of the pathophysiology of CKD-MBD in dogs.

Association of Vitamin D Metabolites with Parathyroid Hormone, Fibroblast Growth Factor-23, Calcium, and Phosphorus in Dogs with Various Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is associated with progression of renal disease, development of renal secondary hyperparathyroidism (RHPT), chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), and increased mortality in people with CKD. Despite what is known regarding vitamin D dysregulation in humans with CKD, little is known about vitamin D metabolism in dogs with CKD. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to further elucidate vitamin D status in dogs with different stages of CKD and to relate it to factors that affect the development of CKD-MBD, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), calcium, and phosphorus concentrations. METHODS: Thirty-seven dogs with naturally occurring CKD were compared to 10 healthy dogs. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2 D], and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)2 D], and PTH and FGF-23 concentrations were measured. Their association with serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations and IRIS stage was determined. RESULTS: Compared to healthy dogs, all vitamin D metabolite concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stages 3 and 4 CKD (r [creatinine]: -0.49 to -0.60; P < .05) but not different in dogs with stages 1 and 2 CKD. All vitamin D metabolites were negatively correlated with PTH, FGF-23, and phosphorus concentrations (r: -0.39 to -0.64; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CKD in dogs is associated with decreases in all vitamin D metabolites evaluated suggesting that multiple mechanisms, in addition to decreased renal mass, affect their metabolism. This information could have prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Evaluation of Four Diagnostic Tests for Insulin Dysregulation in Adult Light-Breed Horses.

BACKGROUND: Several tests have been evaluated in horses for quantifying insulin dysregulation to support a diagnosis of equine metabolic syndrome. Comparing the performance of these tests in the same horses will provide clarification of their accuracy in the diagnosis of equine insulin dysregulation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between basal serum insulin concentrations (BIC), the oral sugar test (OST), the combined glucose-insulin test (CGIT), and the frequently sampled insulin-modified intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT). ANIMALS: Twelve healthy, light-breed horses. METHODS: Randomized, prospective study. Each of the above tests was performed on 12 horses. RESULTS: Minimal model analysis of the FSIGTT was considered the reference standard and classified 7 horses as insulin resistant (IR) and 5 as insulin sensitive (IS). In contrast, BIC and OST assessment using conventional cut-off values classified all horses as IS. Kappa coefficients, measuring agreement among BIC, OST, CGIT, and FSIGTT were poor to fair. Sensitivity of the CGIT (positive phase duration of the glucose curve >45 minutes) was 85.7% and specificity was 40%, whereas CGIT ([insulin]45 >100 µIU/mL) sensitivity and specificity were 28.5% and 100%, respectively. Area under the glucose curve (AUCg0-120 ) was significantly correlated among the OST, CGIT, and FSIGTT, but Bland-Altman method and Lin's concordance coefficient showed a lack of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Current criteria for diagnosis of insulin resistance using BIC and the OST are highly specific but lack sensitivity. The CGIT displayed better sensitivity and specificity, but modifications may be necessary to improve agreement with minimal model analysis.

Association of aldosterone and arginine vasopressin concentrations and clinical markers of hypoperfusion in neonatal foals.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Critically ill foals often present to veterinary hospitals with impaired organ perfusion which can be demonstrated by increased blood L-lactate concentrations. As a compensatory mechanism to low blood pressure and electrolyte abnormalities, aldosterone and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are released to restore organ perfusion and function. Several studies have investigated the ability of blood L-lactate concentrations to predict severity of disease and outcome in critically ill human patients, adult horses and foals. However, information on the aldosterone and AVP response to hypoperfusion and its association with L-lactate concentrations in neonatal foals is limited. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between clinical hypoperfusion and endocrine markers of reduced tissue perfusion in normo- and hypoperfused foals. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Blood samples were collected on admission from 72 clinically hypoperfused, 110 normoperfused (73 hospitalised and 37 healthy) foals of ≤4 days of age. Foals were considered clinically hypoperfused if they had L-lactate concentrations ≥2.5 mmol/l and one of the 3 following findings: heart rate >120 beats/min, packed cell volume (PCV) >0.44 l/l or azotaemia (increased creatinine and blood urea nitrogen [BUN]). Blood concentrations of aldosterone and AVP were determined by radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: Aldosterone, AVP, creatinine and BUN concentrations and heart rate, PCV and blood osmolality were higher in clinically hypoperfused compared with normoperfused foals (P<0.05). Risk of hypoperfusion increased with the presence of hypothermic extremities (OR = 5.26) and with each one unit increase in albumin concentrations (OR = 3.5) (P<0.05). The proposed admission L-lactate cut-off value above which nonsurvival could be reliably predicted in hospitalised foals was 10.6 mmol/l with 82% of sensitivity and 74% of specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperaldosteronaemia and hypervasopressinaemia as well as hypothermic extremities and increased albumin concentrations are potent predictors of hypoperfusion in hospitalised foals.

Validation of IgG cut-off values and their association with survival in neonatal foals.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Serum immunoglobulin (IgG) assessment in neonatal foals is considered standard care in equine hospitals to determine immunity and overall health. However, cut-off values of IgG to predict complete or partial failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) were developed 30 years ago and are largely empirical with little prospective or statistical data to support their use or association with outcome. OBJECTIVES: To critically evaluate the traditional cut-off values of IgG in the assessment of FTPI (IgG < 8 g/l), determine the association between various degrees of FTPI and likelihood of nonsurvival and examine whether FTPI can be predicted by serum total protein (TP), albumin and globulin in hospitalised foals. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentre, cross-sectional study. METHODS: We evaluated clinicopathological variables in 597 foals ≤ 7 days old from 3 equine hospitals including serum IgG, fibrinogen, TP and albumin concentrations. Foals were divided into 3 groups by diagnosis: healthy, sick nonseptic and septic. The aforementioned variables in addition to globulin concentrations were evaluated in a subset of 118 foals. Univariate, multivariate and multinomial logistic regression were used to compute odds ratios for nonsurvival in these foals. RESULTS: Our findings support use of the traditional cut-off value of > 8 g/l as adequate transfer of passive immunity (ATPI). Odds of nonsurvival increased in proportion to lower IgG concentrations. Higher TP concentrations were associated with lower likelihood of FTPI; however, higher albumin concentrations were associated with a greater likelihood of FTPI. A regression equation was created to predict IgG in foals using serum proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IgG values of <8 g/l in hospitalised foals were proportionally associated with mortality. We recommend immediate assessment of IgG concentrations in hospitalised foals and those with FTPI should receive prompt immunotherapy. The summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.

Somatotropic axis resistance and ghrelin in critically ill foals.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Resistance to the somatotropic axis and increases in ghrelin concentrations have been documented in critically ill human patients, but limited information exists in healthy or sick foals. OBJECTIVES: To investigate components of the somatotropic axis (ghrelin, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) with regard to energy metabolism (glucose and triglycerides), severity of disease and survival in critically ill equine neonates. It was hypothesised that ghrelin and growth hormone would increase and IGF-1 would decrease in proportion to severity of disease, supporting somatotropic axis resistance, which would be associated with severity of disease and mortality in sick foals. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicentre cross-sectional study. METHODS: Blood samples were collected at admission from 44 septic, 62 sick nonseptic (SNS) and 19 healthy foals, all aged <7 days. Foals with positive blood cultures or sepsis scores ≥12 were considered septic, foals with sepsis scores of 5-11 were classified as SNS. Data were analysed by nonparametric methods and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Septic foals had higher ghrelin, growth hormone and triglyceride and lower IGF-1 and glucose concentrations than healthy foals (P<0.01). Sick nonseptic foals had higher growth hormone and triglycerides and lower IGF-1 concentrations than healthy foals (P<0.05). Growth hormone:IGF-1 ratio was higher in septic and SNS foals than healthy foals (P<0.05). Hormone concentrations were not different between septic nonsurvivors (n = 14) and survivors (n = 30), but the growth hormone:IGF-1 ratio was lower in nonsurvivors (P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Somatotropic axis resistance, characterised by a high growth hormone:IGF-1 ratio, was frequent in sick foals, associated with the energy status (hypoglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia) and with mortality in septic foals. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: A functional somatotropic axis appears to be important for foal survival during sepsis. Somatotropic resistance is likely to contribute to severity of disease, a catabolic state and likelihood of recovery.

Renin-Angiotensin-aldosterone system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in hospitalized newborn foals.

BACKGROUND: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) and their interactions during illness and hypoperfusion are important to maintain organ function. HPAA dysfunction and relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) are common in septic foals. Information is lacking on the RAAS and mineralocorticoid response in the context of RAI in newborn sick foals. OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the RAAS, as well as HPAA factors that interact with the RAAS, in hospitalized foals, and to determine their association with clinical findings. We hypothesized that critical illness in newborn foals results in RAAS activation, and that inappropriately low aldosterone concentrations are part of the RAI syndrome of critically ill foals. ANIMALS: A total of 167 foals ≤3 days of age: 133 hospitalized (74 septic, 59 sick nonseptic) and 34 healthy foals. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Blood samples were collected on admission. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and angiotensin-II (ANG-II), aldosterone, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations were measured in all foals. RESULTS: ANG-II, aldosterone, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations as well as ACTH/aldosterone and ACTH/cortisol ratios were higher in septic foals compared with healthy foals (P < .05). No difference in PRA between groups was found. High serum potassium and low serum chloride concentrations were associated with hyperaldosteronemia in septic foals. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: RAAS activation in critically ill foals is characterized by increased ANG-II and aldosterone concentrations. Inappropriately low cortisol and aldosterone concentrations defined as high ACTH/cortisol and ACTH/aldosterone ratios in septic foals suggest that RAI is not restricted to the zona fasciculata in critically ill newborn foals.