F04 - Effects of Plasma and Hetastarch on Colloid Oncotic Pressure and Coagulation Parameters in Dairy Calves

Abstract: Background: Transfusion with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or hetastarch 6% (HES) are indicated for management of decreased colloid oncotic pressure (COP) in hypoproteinemic calves. However, HES has been associated with coagulopathies in other species . The effectiveness of HES compared to FFP has not been extensively studied in calves.
Hypotheses: Administration of HES increases COP to levels comparable to FFP. The administration of HES does not alter coagulation parameters.
Animals: 7 dairy bull calves from a University teaching herd.
Methods: Cohort, clinical trial in 2-way crossover design, with a 2-week washout period. HES and FFP were administered intravenously at 10 mL/kg and 20 mL/kg, respectively, once. Serum COP was measured pre-transfusion, and at 0h, 1h, 2h, 4h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 36h, and 72h and 7 days after each transfusion. Coagulation parameters including prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, fibrinogen degradation products and thrombocytes analysis were performed pre-transfusion, and at 0h, 24h, and 72h after transfusion. Effect of treatment and time on COP and coagulation parameters was determined by MANOVA.
Results: Transfusion with HES or FFP was positively associated with serum COP.  Time did not have an effect on COP. Administration of FFP or HES did not significantly change the coagulation parameters.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: HES is an effective alternative to FFP transfusion in calves, and it does not cause significant changes in coagulation parameters.