(E44) Prognostic Value of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width, and Other Hematological in Horses with Colitis

Abstract:

Background: In humans, the red blood cell distribution width (RDW), 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 mortality in septic patients. The prognostic value of these variables in critically ill horses is unknown.

Objective: Investigate whether RDW, MC:LC ratio, PC, PC:LC ratio, MPV, and MPV:PC ratio can predict the mortality of horses with acute colitis.
Animals: 131 horses > 1-year-old with colitis. Composed of 102 surviving and 29 non-surviving horses.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Colitis was defined as a horse with diarrhea and leukopenia (total white blood cell count < 5x109 cells/L) on admission. Data from admission CBC were used. Survival was defined as discharge from hospital. Data were analyzed by non-parametric methods and multivariate analysis.

Results: The WBC, RDW, MC, PC, MC:LC ratio, and MPV:PC ratio were lower in non-surviving than surviving horses with colitis (P < 0.05, for all comparisons). Colitis horses with lower RDW (OR: 2.28, 95%CI: 1.29 to 4) and PC (OR:1.02, 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.03) values were more likely to die or being euthanized.

Conclusion: RDW and PC are independent prognostic markers of mortality in horses with colitis. These variables can be used as markers of systemic dysfunction and a dysregulated inflammatory response in critically ill horses.