Effect of intrabronchial platelet rich plasma on the exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage endoscopic score in thoroughbred racehorses using furosemide: a preliminary study

Abstract

The high prevalence of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in athletic horses constitutes to be a challenge to the racing industry and a source of major concern to animal welfare. Both experimental and clinical evidence indicate that the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising effector of repair in a variety of pulmonary conditions. The present study evaluated the effect of intrabronchial instillation of PRP on EIPH endoscopic scores from 37 Thoroughbred racehorses. Inclusion criteria were for animals to be EIPH-positive in, at least, two consecutive post-exercise endoscopic exams and to receive 250mg of furosemide IV four hours before racing. Animals were randomly assigned into 3 groups: placebo, control, and PRP instillation. All 37 Thoroughbred racehorses included had EIPH endoscopic scores pre- and post- treatment compared by statistical analysis. The bleeding score from the group receiving PRP was significantly lower than in the control and placebo groups. No adverse effects were observed in any animal during or after the experiment. It was possible to conclude that the intrabronchial instillation of autologous PRP was effective in reducing EIPH scores in racehorses receiving furosemide and that this bioproduct can be considered as a promising coadjuvant in controlling EIPH in athletic horses.

Multimodal therapy for treatment of equine back pain: a report of 15 cases

“…PRP is a biological product obtained by centrifugation of autologous blood through a simple, cost-effective methodology to obtain high concentrations of growth factors with regenerative properties and, therefore, presents minimal risk of cross-contamination, disease transmission, or triggering immune reactions. In equine species, PRP has been studied in various diseases such as tendinitis, osteoarthritis, and skin wounds, with positive effects both individually and synergistically, improving cell migration and proliferation, angiogenesis, and matrix deposition in tendons and wound healing ( Vendruscolo et al, 2012 ; Figueiredo et al, 2016 ; Pires et al, 2021 ).…”

Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Chronic Respiratory Disease

“…From 2018 to 2020, Pires et al conducted a randomized controlled animal trial involving 37 racehorses suffering from exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage to evaluate PRP treatment efficacy [ 23 ]. Most racehorses were evaluated post-race, which included endoscopy, as it is quite common for these horses’ airways to become inflamed and edematous [ 23 ].…”

“…From 2018 to 2020, Pires et al conducted a randomized controlled animal trial involving 37 racehorses suffering from exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage to evaluate PRP treatment efficacy [ 23 ]. Most racehorses were evaluated post-race, which included endoscopy, as it is quite common for these horses’ airways to become inflamed and edematous [ 23 ]. Thirty-seven horses that showed signs of mucosal edema, airway inflammation, and visible airway bleeds were included and were randomly assigned to either placebo (n=14) or treatment group (n=23) [ 23 ].…”

“…Most racehorses were evaluated post-race, which included endoscopy, as it is quite common for these horses’ airways to become inflamed and edematous [ 23 ]. Thirty-seven horses that showed signs of mucosal edema, airway inflammation, and visible airway bleeds were included and were randomly assigned to either placebo (n=14) or treatment group (n=23) [ 23 ]. Three days after the races, blood was collected for PRP and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was conducted, with specimens to be used as control.…”

“…Three days after the races, blood was collected for PRP and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was conducted, with specimens to be used as control. The placebo group was administered 10 mL of 0.9% normal saline, while the study group was given 10 mL of autologous PRP; both groups were given 10 mL intrabronchially [ 23 ]. Five weeks after the intrabronchial administration, all the horses participated in another race and were again evaluated endoscopically post-race with BAL.…”