Intern University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Abstract:
Background: Alterations in total (tCa) and ionized (iCa) calcium, total magnesium (tMg), and phosphorus (Pho) homeostasis are well documented in critically ill humans and horses, and have been associated with disease severity. One study reported low iCa and high Pho concentrations in septic foals. There is limited information on calcium, magnesium, and their regulation in septic foals.
Objective: Describe blood concentrations of tCa, iCa, tMg, and Pho in septic and sick nonseptic foals, and determine their association with survival. Animals: 144 foals < 3 days of age. 91 sick non-septic (SNS) and 53 septic foals.
Methods: A retrospective case-control study. Sepsis was defined as a foal with a sepsis score >11, blood culture positive, or evidence of sepsis in the postmortem examination. Survival was defined as discharge from the hospital. Data were retrieved from medical records and analyzed by non-parametric methods and multivariate analysis.
Results: Blood concentrations of iCa and tMg were lower in septic foals compared with SNS, whereas tCa and Pho concentrations were higher in septic compared to SNS foals (P < 0.05). Positive correlations between tCa and creatinine (r=0.26; P< 0.001), tMg and creatinine (r=0.22; P< 0.001) were identified. Negative correlations between pH and Pho (r=-0.34 p< 0.003), pH and tCa (r=-0.27; P< 0.001), and Pho and tMg (r=-0.19; P 0.04) were also detected.
Conclusions: Alterations in iCa, tMg, and Pho in septic foals were likely consequences of endocrine dysregulation. The pH and Pho negative correlation suggests that acidemia can promote transcellular Pho redistribution in critically ill foals.
