(E58) Prognostic Value of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width and Other Hematological Parameters in Hospitalized Foals

Abstract:

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a commonly reported variable on the complete blood count (CBC). It is associated with an adverse prognosis in critically ill humans. Furthermore, the neutrophil count (NC), monocyte-to-lymphocyte count ratio (MC:LC ratio), platelet-to-lymphocyte count ratio (PC:LC ratio), mean platelet volume (MPV), and MPV-to-PC ratio (MVP:PC ratio) are associated with increased mortality in septic human patients. The prognostic value of these variables in critically ill foals is unknown.

Objective: Investigate the prognostic value of RDW and other hematological variables in hospitalized ill foals.
Animals: 228 foals < 3-days-old. 188 surviving and 40 non-surviving foals.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Variables from blood samples collected at the time of admission to the hospital were used in the analysis. Survival was defined as discharge from hospital. Data were analyzed using non-parametric methods and multivariate analysis.

Results: RDW values were similar between non-surviving and surviving foals (P>0.05). The MC and MC:LC ratio and NC were lower in non-surviving than surviving foals (P < 0.05, for both comparisons). Multivariate analysis showed that foals with lower NC (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.35) and MC:LC ratio (OR:7.54, 95% CI: 1.25 to 47) values were more likely to die or be euthanized.

Conclusion: RDW was not a prognostic marker of mortality in this population of hospitalized foals. However, additional studies evaluating the association of RDW with severity of disease in foals (e.g., sepsis, SIRS) are warranted. Lower neutrophil count and MC:LC ratio were associated with mortality in this population.