Pharmacokinetics of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam after administration of multiple doses to nursehound sharks (Scyliorhinus stellaris).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in the nursehound shark (Scyliorhinus stellaris) during multiple dose administration. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: A total of eight clinically healthy adult nursehounds (four males, four females). METHODS: Meloxicam was administered intramuscularly at a dose of 1.5 mg kg-1 once daily for 7 days. Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein for pharmacokinetic analysis at 2.5 hours and 24 hours after drug administration. After a 4 week washout period, meloxicam was administered orally at the same dose at 12 hour intervals for three repeated doses. Blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after the first administration. Sharks were visually monitored during each study and 4 weeks afterwards for side effects or signs of toxicity. Time required to achieve steady state was assessed by visual inspection and statistical comparison of peak and trough concentrations using a Friedman test; comparison between sexes was performed using a Mann-Whitney U test and p-value was set at 0.05. RESULTS: No animal died or showed clinical signs of toxicity during the study. Meloxicam administered orally did not produce detectable concentrations in plasma. After intramuscular administration, steady state was achieved after five doses, and mean trough and peak plasma concentrations at steady state were 1.76 ± 0.21 µg mL-1 and 3.02 ± 0.23 µg mL-1, respectively. Mean peak concentration accumulation ratio was 2.50 ± 0.22. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study shows that intramuscular posology produces plasma concentrations considered therapeutic for other species. However, meloxicam was not detected in plasma after oral administration. These results suggest that meloxicam administered intramuscularly may be a useful non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug in nursehound sharks. Further pharmacodynamic studies are needed to fully evaluate its clinical use in this species.

Flow cytometric kinetic assay of calcium mobilization in whole blood platelets of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

Marine mammals may suffer alterations in platelet function and hemostasia due to multiple pathologies, environmental conditions (including stress) or exposure to different contaminants that induce platelet activation. Detecting early alterations in platelet function in these animals could be an especially relevant diagnostic tool in these species because they typically do not show signs of weakness or disease until the pathology is in advanced state, in order to avoid attracting predators in natural conditions. The study of early markers of platelet activation is relevant for the detection, monitoring and therapy of inflammation and hemostasis disorders. Flow cytometry provides a convenient method to evaluate platelet activation by following the kinetics of intracellular Ca2+ , using sensitive fluorescent indicators that can be loaded into intact cells. In order to study intraplatelet Ca2+ mobilization in marine mammals, we have adapted a kinetic assay of human platelet activation to study platelet activation in whole-blood samples of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using the Ca2+ -sensitive dye Fluo-4AM and a clone of the platelet-specific antibody CD41-PE that recognizes dolphin platelets. This no-wash, no-lyse protocol provides a simple and sensitive tool to assess in vitro the time course and intensity of signal-transduction responses to platelet agonists under near-physiological conditions. The adaptation of this technique to marine mammals represents a methodological advance for basic and clinical veterinary applications but also for general environmental studies on these species.

Increasing the data on elasmobranch plasma protein electrophoresis: electrophoretogram reference values determination in the undulate skate (Raja Undulata) and the nursehound shark (Scyliorhinus stellaris) maintained under human care.

BACKGROUND: This study determined plasma protein electrophoresis (PPE) reference intervals in two elasmobranch species: the undulate skate (Raja undulata) and the nursehound shark (Scyliorhinus stellaris), using a reference population of 48 undulate skates (27 males, 21 females) and 62 nursehounds (32 males, 30 females), considered to be clinically healthy. Plasma samples were analyzed using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). RESULTS: The undulate skate electrophoretogram resembled those previously reported in other batoids and could be divided into seven consistent fractions. No statistically significant differences were detected between sexes and developmental stages. The nursehound electrophoretogram was similar to that previously described in other shark species and could be divided into eight consistent fractions. Fraction 5% was significantly higher in juvenile nursehounds when compared to adults, while fraction 6 concentration and percentage were significantly higher in adults. Fraction 4% was higher in males than in females. Albumin band was not detected, and pre-albumin was negligible in both studied species. Alpha-globulins were predominant in the undulate skate, while beta-globulins were predominant in nursehounds. Statistically significant differences were found in all electrophoretogram fraction percentages and concentrations between the two species. CONCLUSION: To the authors knowledge, this is the first study reporting PPE values in undulate skates and nursehounds, and the first study using CZE in elasmobranch plasma. These findings can serve as a primary reference for health monitoring in both species and will add to the limited data available on PPE in elasmobranchs.

PHARMACOKINETICS OF MELOXICAM AFTER A SINGLE 1.5 MG/KG INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION TO NURSEHOUND SHARKS (SCYLIORHINUS STELLARIS) AND ITS EFFECTS ON HEMATOLOGY AND PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY.

A single-dose meloxicam pharmacokinetic (PK) study was performed with eight clinically healthy nursehound sharks (Scyliorhinus stellaris) maintained under human care. Meloxicam was administered IM at a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg to six animals; two animals were administered elasmobranch physiological saline solution (EPSS) IM as a negative control group. Blood samples were obtained prior to and at 12 predetermined times during the first 36 h after administration. Effects on hematology and plasma biochemistry were compared prior to and 24 h after administration. No animal died or showed clinical signs during the study. A significant increase in creatinine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase was found in both EPSS and meloxicam groups and could be considered a direct consequence of sampling and handling required for the PK study. Observed mean time to maximum plasma concentration ± SEM was 2.58 ± 0.47 h and observed mean maximum plasma concentration ± SEM was 806 ± 66 ng/ml; mean terminal half-life ± SEM was 15.97 ± 1.20 h; mean residency time ± SEM was 23.40 ± 2.25 h. Area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve extrapolated to infinity ± SEM was 15.52 ± 1.70 h·µg/ml. This study suggests that meloxicam 1.5 mg/kg IM in nursehound sharks is likely to result in clinically relevant plasma levels for periods of 24 h without producing significant alterations in blood analytics, although further PK studies with meloxicam IV in sharks are needed. Future PK and pharmacodynamic studies with different drugs and doses are needed in elasmobranchs to establish safe and effective treatment protocols.

HEMATOLOGY AND PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY REFERENCE VALUES OF JUVENILE UNDULATE RAYS (RAJA UNDULATA) UNDER HUMAN CARE.

Despite the paucity of published literature on elasmobranch hematology and biochemistry, great interspecific diversity has been observed. Blood samples from 43 undulate rays (Raja undulata) (23 males, 20 females) hatched and raised at Oceanogràfic Aquarium, were analyzed for hematology and plasma biochemistry. Animals were divided into two age groups: 1 yr old (28 skates) and 2 yr old (15 skates). All individuals were clinically healthy on physical examination. Weight, total length, standard length, and disc width were recorded. No statistically significant differences were observed between male and female juvenile skates for the evaluated morphometric, hematologic, and plasma biochemical values. Once reference intervals (RI) were determined, blood samples from seven healthy adult skates housed at the same aquarium were collected for comparison. Statistically significant differences were observed in cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, chloride, and sodium between juvenile and adult skates. This is the first article describing hematological and plasma biochemical RI for this species, increasing the clinical knowledge on elasmobranch blood analytics. These data will serve as a valuable diagnostic and research tool for professionals working with undulate rays and closer relatives in aquariums and in the field. Further studies using larger elasmobranch sample sizes are needed to determine reliable species-specific baseline health values and to evaluate the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic parameters on blood analytics more accurately.

OPTIMIZING A PLATELET-RICH PLASMA CONCENTRATION PROTOCOL FOR SOUTH AMERICAN SEA LIONS (OTARIA FLAVESCENS).

Accelerated healing in wild or captive South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) is a key tool to help minimize infection and complications associated with open wounds, dental disease, and ocular pathology. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autogenous source for growth factors based on platelet concentration, which can be obtained by centrifuging whole blood collected in sodium citrate anticoagulant. Currently, there are well-defined PRP concentration protocols for humans and most domestic companion animal species. However, there is no clear centrifugation protocol for obtaining PRP in most marine mammal species. This study aimed to optimize the platelet concentration protocol based on whole blood centrifugation using speeds ranging from 500 to 5,000 rpm and times ranging from 3 to 6 min. Blood was drawn from seven adult South American sea lions, placed into 1-ml sodium citrate tubes, and centrifuged following 12 different centrifugation protocols. PRP was designated as the lower third fraction of the centrifuged plasma. Platelet counts were performed using flow cytometry and statistical analysis was carried out to establish a well-defined protocol for efficient PRP production. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was performed to evaluate possible platelet degranulation during the different centrifugation protocols and measure platelet areas. Maximum concentration of platelets in PRP was 4.73-fold higher than the number of platelets in equal volume of whole blood, and significant differences in the concentrations obtained were found between the 12 centrifugation protocols evaluated using different speed and time combinations. The best one-step centrifugation protocol resulted from using 900-rpm speed for 3 min. The highest-fold increase was achieved using a two-step centrifugation protocol, which combined the most efficient one-step centrifugation protocol (900 rpm, 3 min) with a second centrifugation using 2,000-rpm speed for 6 min. TEM analysis confirmed that platelets were complete and maintained integrity after the proposed protocol.

Managing the front-line treatment for diffuse large B cell lymphoma and high-grade B cell lymphoma during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically challenged care for cancer patients, especially those with active treatment who represent a vulnerable population for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Aggressive lymphoid neoplasms, such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma and high-grade B cell lymphoma, need to be treated without delay in order to get the best disease outcome. Because of that, our clinical practice was changed to minimise the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection while continuing haematological treatment. In this report, we analyse the management of front-line therapy in 18 patients during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the results of the implemented measures in their outcome.

[Actualities in endometrial carcinoma]. / Actualité sur les cancers de l'endomètre.

Endometrial carcinoma is one of the most frequent women cancer. Its incidence is increasing due to the aging of the population and changes in life. Fortunately, these cancers are usually detected at an early stage due to post-menopausal bleeding. The prognostic factors are quite well determined : loco-regional and distant tumoral extension according to the FIGO classification, grade and histological type and the presence of lympho-vascular space invasions. These cancers, however, are usually of good prognosis because of an early diagnosis, and their treatment is based on surgery, preferably minimally invasive approach, whose extension is adapted to the prognostic factors from the pre-therapeutic assessment. The definitive histological examination will condition the adjuvant treatments.

Les cancers de l'endomètre représentent l'un des cancers les plus fréquents de la femme, et leur incidence est en augmentation du fait du vieillissement de la population et des modifications de vie. Heureusement, ces cancers sont habituellement détectés à un stade précoce du fait de métrorragies postménopausiques. Les facteurs pronostiques sont assez bien déterminés : extension tumorale loco-régionale et à distance selon la classification FIGO, grade et type histologique et présence d'invasions lymphovasculaires. Ces cancers sont cependant de bon pronostic du fait habituellement d'un diagnostic à un stade précoce et leur traitement repose sur une chirurgie de préférence mini-invasive dont l'extension est adaptée aux facteurs pronostiques issus du bilan préthérapeutique. L'examen histologique définitif conditionnera les traitements adjuvants.

Fetal Aortic Arch Anomalies: Key Sonographic Views for Their Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Implications Using the Cardiovascular System Sonographic Evaluation Protocol.

Aortic arch anomalies are present in 1% to 2% of the general population and are commonly associated with congenital heart disease, chromosomal defects, and tracheaesophageal compression in postnatal life. The sonographically based detection of aortic arch anomalies lies in the 3-vessel and trachea view. Although highly sensitive, this view alone does not allow identification of the aortic arch branching pattern, which prevents an accurate diagnosis. The systematic addition of a subclavian artery view as part of a standardized procedure may be useful in the differential diagnosis of these conditions. We describe the sonographic assessment of fetal aortic arch anomalies by combining 2 fetal transverse views: the 3-vessel and trachea view and the subclavian artery view, which are included in the cardiovascular system sonographic evaluation protocol. We also review the sonographic findings and the clinical implications of fetal aortic arch anomalies.

Prenatal Diagnosis of an Aortopulmonary Window With an Interrupted Aortic Arch.

A prenatal aortopulmonary window with an interrupted aortic arch was detected in a 22-week-old fetus. The 3-vessel and trachea view showed a communication between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery. Early postnatal surgery was successful. A PubMed-based search identified all cases of prenatal aortopulmonary windows between 2002 and 2015. Nine articles were identified. The average gestational age at diagnosis was 28 weeks (range, 22-33 weeks). The most frequent aortopulmonary window was type I (40%). All cases were associated with congenital heart defects, mainly an interrupted aortic arch (50%). No chromosomal or extracardiac abnormalities were seen. Prenatal echocardiography is useful for early diagnosis of an aortopulmonary window. The prognosis depends on the time of surgery and the nature of the associated anomalies.

Lactate Dehydrogenase: A Marker of the Severity of Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Presenting at the Emergency Department.

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in children with sickle cell disease and to identify factors associated with greater severity. We performed a prospective observational study from August 2012 to January 2014. The study population comprised patients with sickle cell disease who consulted at the emergency department (ED) for VOC. We recorded demographic variables, history of complications related to the disease, and data on usual treatment. We also assessed pain, analgesia at home, need for admission, length of stay, and analgesia during admission. Analytical parameters were collected. A total of 29 patients with VOC were included. The patient's usual treatment was hydroxyurea (HU) in 69.0%, and 7.0% required chronic transfusions. In the ED, 90.0% had moderate or severe pain, even though 86.0% had received analgesia at home (41.4% minor opioids). Overall, 27 of the 29 patients were admitted, and 56.0% needed major opioids. Higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were related to the use of major opioids during admission (p = 0.038). A significant difference was recorded between the median number of days of admission for patients receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and for those requiring intravenous opioids (p = 0.005). Most patients with VOC were admitted to hospital. Lactate dehydrogenase level in the ED was a predictor of severity and was associated with the need for major opioids during admission and more days of admission.

Evaluating cardiac physiology through echocardiography in bottlenose dolphins: using stroke volume and cardiac output to estimate systolic left ventricular function during rest and following exercise.

Heart-rate (fH) changes during diving and exercise are well documented for marine mammals, but changes in stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) are much less known. We hypothesized that both SV and CO are also modified following intense exercise. Using transthoracic ultrasound Doppler at the level of the aortic valve, we compared blood flow velocities in the left ventricle and cardiac frequencies during rest and at 1, 3 and 4 min after a bout of exercise in 13 adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, six male and seven female, body mass range 143-212 kg). Aortic cross-sectional area and ventricle blood velocity at the aortic valve were used to calculate SV, which together with fH provided estimates of left CO at rest and following exercise. fH and SV stabilized approximately 4-7 s following the post-respiratory tachycardia, so only data after the fH had stabilized were used for analysis and comparison. There were significant increases in fH, SV and CO associated with each breath. At rest, fH, SV and CO were uncorrelated with body mass, and averaged 41±9 beats min(-1), 136±19 ml and 5514±1182 l min(-1), respectively. One minute following high intensity exercise, the cardiac variables had increased by 104±43%, 63±11% and 234±84%, respectively. All variables remained significantly elevated in all animals for at least 4 min after the exercise. These baseline values provide the first data on SV and CO in awake and unrestrained cetaceans in water.

Non-genetic risk factors and their influence on the management of patients in the clinic.

The development of inhibitors is the most serious iatrogenic complication affecting patients with haemophilia. This complication is associated with impaired vital or functional prognosis, reduced quality of life and increased cost of treatment. The reasons why some patients develop antibodies to factor replacement and others do not remain unclear. It is however clear that inhibitor development results from a complex multifactorial interaction between genetic and non-genetic risk factors. Environmental influences implicated in increasing the risk of inhibitor formation can be viewed as modifiable risk factors. Therefore, identification of the non-genetic risk factors may offer the possibility of personalising haemophilia therapy by modifying treatment strategies in high-risk patients in the critical early phase of factor VIII exposure. In this article, we review the non-genetic factors reported as well as the potential impact of danger signals and the different scores for inhibitor development risk stratification.

Prenatal Sonographic Features of a Double Aortic Arch: Literature Review and Perinatal Management.

A double aortic arch is a relatively uncommon anomaly occasionally associated with congenital heart disease or the chromosome 22q11 deletion. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of a double aortic arch in which the sonographic features in the 3-vessel and trachea view are highlighted. A PubMed-based search was made to retrieve all cases of prenatal diagnosis of double aortic arch. A total of 13 articles and 35 cases were found. The average gestational age at diagnosis was 29 weeks. Six cases had associated cardiac anomalies. Only 1 case had the 22q11 deletion, showing extracardiac anomalies without cardiac defect. The postnatal evolution was characterized by symptoms of tracheoesophageal compression in 72.4% of the cases. Detection of a double aortic arch should be followed by a thorough fetal scan and echocardiography, and a chromosomal study should be considered when the sonographic findings are consistent with the 22q11 deletion.

[Prenatal diagnosis of fetal aortic stenosis with mitral insufficiency. Review of the ultrasound diagnosis and perinatal prognosis: a case report]. / Diagnóstico prenatal de la estenosis aórtica crítica con insuficiencia mitral. Revisión del diagnóstico ecográfico y pronóstico perinatal. A propósito de un caso.

This is a report about a case of prenatal diagnosis of critical fetal aortic stenosis with severe mitral valve insufficiency in a 35+6 weeks fetus. Aortic stenosis represents 3% of congenital heart diseases, but its association with mitral regurgitation is quite unusual. Thanks to the latest advances in fetal ultrasonography we can now achieve a more precise diagnosis and we have been able to improve the understanding of its physiopathology. Based on this case we have reviewed the most recent literature about fetal aortic stenosis and mitral valve insufficiency, with the aim of summarizing its main physiopathological features, highlighting the clues and key points for its intrauterine diagnosis, describing its principal complications and summarizing its current treatment options.

COVID-19 Outcomes in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies in the Era of COVID-19 Vaccination and the Omicron Variant.

A greater understanding of clinical trends in COVID-19 outcomes among patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) over the course of the pandemic, particularly the Omicron era, is needed. This ongoing, observational, and registry-based study with prospective data collection evaluated COVID-19 clinical severity and mortality in 1818 adult HM patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between 27 February 2020 and 1 October 2022, at 31 centers in the Madrid region of Spain. Of these, 1281 (70.5%) and 537 (29.5%) were reported in the pre-Omicron and Omicron periods, respectively. Overall, patients aged ≥70 years (odds ratio 2.16, 95% CI 1.64-2.87), with >1 comorbidity (2.44, 1.85-3.21), or with an underlying HM of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (1.64, 1.19-2.27), had greater odds of severe/critical COVID-19; odds were lower during the Omicron BA.1/BA.2 (0.28, 0.2-0.37) or BA.4/BA.5 (0.13, 0.08-0.19) periods and among patients vaccinated with one or two (0.51, 0.34-0.75) or three or four (0.22, 0.16-0.29) doses. The hospitalization rate (75.3% [963/1279], 35.7% [191/535]), rate of intensive care admission (30.0% [289/963], 14.7% [28/191]), and mortality rate overall (31.9% [409/1281], 9.9% [53/536]) and in hospitalized patients (41.3% [398/963], 22.0% [42/191]) decreased from the pre-Omicron to Omicron period. Age ≥70 years was the only factor associated with higher mortality risk in both the pre-Omicron (hazard ratio 2.57, 95% CI 2.03-3.25) and Omicron (3.19, 95% CI 1.59-6.42) periods. Receipt of prior stem cell transplantation, COVID-19 vaccination(s), and treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir were associated with greater survival rates. In conclusion, COVID-19 mortality in HM patients has decreased considerably in the Omicron period; however, mortality in hospitalized HM patients remains high. Specific studies should be undertaken to test new treatments and preventive interventions in HM patients.

Giant Cell Tumor of the Triquetrum: Clinical Case and Literature Review.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a benign, locally aggressive neoplasm with little incidence at the carpal bone level. We present a case of pyramidal bone GCT that required open biopsy for diagnosis. As a definitive treatment, en bloc resection of the pyramidal bone and luno-capitate arthrodesis were performed to avoid frequent relapses of these neoplasms and ensure proper functionality of the anatomical segment.

Pharmacokinetics of the Anti-Inflammatory Drug Meloxicam after Single 1.5 mg/kg Intramuscular Administration to Undulate Skates (Raja undulata).

The therapy database currently used in elasmobranchs is still mostly based on empirical data, and there are few efficacy and safety studies supporting clinical practice. In this study, meloxicam pharmacokinetics (PK) were evaluated after a single 1.5 mg/kg IM administration to a group of seven clinically healthy adult undulate skates (Raja undulata Lacepède, 1802). Blood samples were collected before administration and at 15, 30, 60 and 90 min and 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after the IM injection. The meloxicam concentrations in plasma were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, and PK parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental model approach. The mean ± SEM values of the main PK values were 1.84 ± 0.31 µg/mL for peak plasma concentration, 1.5 ± 0.24 h for time to maximum plasma concentration, 11.43 ± 2.04 h·µg/mL for area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve, 3.55 ± 0.65 h for elimination half-life, and 5.37 ± 0.94 h for mean residency time. No adverse reactions were detected. The relatively high plasma concentration and short time to maximum plasma concentration suggest that meloxicam could turn into an efficient analgesic and anti-inflammatory candidate drug to be used in skates. Further efficacy, pharmacodynamic, and multiple-dose studies with meloxicam are needed in elasmobranchs.

Hematology and Plasma Chemistry Reference Values in Nursehound Shark (Scyliorhinus Stellaris) Maintained Under Human Care.

Studies determining baseline hematological reference intervals (RI) in elasmobranchs are very limited. In this study, blood samples were collected from 94 clinically healthy Nursehound Shark (Scyliorhinus stellaris) maintained under human care. Median (RI) in major leukocyte types were similar to other Carcharhinid sharks as lymphocytes were the predominant leukocyte with 38.0 (28.2-53.5)%, followed by coarse eosinophilic granulocytes with 20.0 (12.2-31.7)%, fine eosinophilic granulocytes with 6.0 (1.2-12.8) %, monocytes with 2.0 (0.0-6.0)%, and neutrophils with 2.0 (0.0-6.0)%. Nursehound Shark produced granulated thrombocytes, which were classified as granulocytes and represented 28.5 (12.4-39.7)% of all leukocytes. Median (RI) manual red blood cell and white blood cell counts were 177.50 (132.50-210.00) x 109 cells/l and 8.26 (5.24-14.23) x 109 cells/l, respectively. Median (RI) plasma chemistry values showed alkaline phosphatase 7.7 (4.2-13.0) U/l, aspartate aminotransferase 7.6 (3.3-17.1) U/l, blood urea nitrogen 281.6 (261.2-305.0) mmol/l, calcium 3.97 (3.59-4.47) mmol/l, total cholesterol 2.04 (1.02-3.91) mmol/l, chloride 233.0 (215.2-259.0) mmol/l, iron 3.79 (1.74-6.93) µmol/l, glucose 0.87 (0.47-1.44 mmol/l), potassium 3.8 (2.9-4.6) mmol/l, sodium 243.0 (227.7-271.0) mmol/l, phosphorus 1.58 (1.13-2.10) mmol/l, total protein 24.0 (20.0-35.0) g/l, and triglycerides 0.97 (0.49-3.35) mmol/l. Creatine kinase, gamma glutamyl transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were below the instrument reading range.

Pharmacokinetic Studies in Elasmobranchs: Meloxicam Administered at 0.5 mg/kg Using Intravenous, Intramuscular, and Oral Routes to Nusehound Sharks (Scyliorhinus stellaris).

Infectious and inflammatory diseases are the most frequently diagnosed pathologies in elasmobranchs maintained under human care. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used in veterinary medicine for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Meloxicam is a commonly prescribed NSAID in elasmobranchs, but there are still no published pharmacokinetic (PK) studies supporting its use in this group of animals. In this study, meloxicam was administered at a single dose of 0.5 mg/kg to eight healthy adult nursehound sharks (Scyliorhinus stellaris) intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), and orally (PO), with a minimum 4-week washout period between administrations. Blood samples were obtained both beforehand and at predetermined times after each administration. Plasma concentrations were measured using a validated high performance liquid chromatography method, and PK data was obtained using a non-compartmental analysis. Meloxicam administered orally did not produce detectable concentrations in blood plasma, while mean peak plasma concentration was 0.38 ± 0.08 µg/ml after IM administration. The mean terminal half-life was 10.71 ± 2.77 h and 11.27 ± 3.96 h for IV and IM injections, respectively. The area under the curve extrapolated to infinity was 11.37 ± 2.29 h·µg/ml after IV injections and 5.98 ± 0.90 h·µg/ml after IM injections. Meloxicam administered IM had a mean absolute bioavailability of 56.22 ± 13.29%. These numbers support meloxicam as a promising drug to be used IM in nursehounds, questions the efficacy of its single PO use in elasmobranchs, elucidate the need for higher dosage regimes, and evidence the need for further PK studies in sharks and rays.