Serum procalcitonin concentrations in dogs with induced endotoxemia

Abstract

Background Procalcitonin (PCT) is an important biomarker for sepsis in human medicine, but there is little information regarding PCT as a biomarker for sepsis in dogs. There are no controlled studies evaluating serial concentrations of PCT in dogs. Hypothesis/Objective That PCT would be rapidly detectable in serum after injection of LPS and would remain increased for at least 24 hours. Objective was to evaluate serial serum PCT concentrations in dogs after a single IV injection of LPS compared to placebo. Animals Six healthy mixed breed dogs. Methods A nonrandomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study was performed. Dogs were initially injected with placebo (0.9% NaCl; 1 mL, IV) and then experimental endotoxemia was induced by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 μg/kg, IV, once) after a 5‐day washout period. Serial blood samples were collected for measurement of serum PCT after each injection. Difference in median PCT concentration between serial time points was assessed using a mixed effects model. Results After LPS administration, blood pressure decreased and body temperature increased along with the development of lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Procalcitonin was significantly increased compared to baseline by 2 hours after injection of LPS (median = 67.9 versus 172.8, range = 46.0‐74.1 versus 99.5‐295.9, P = .0002) and remained significantly increased for 12 hours (median = 205.9, range = 119.9‐297.4) with return to baseline by 48 hours. Procalcitonin was significantly higher than placebo 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours after injection. There were no significant differences in PCT between time 0 and any of the subsequent time points in the saline group. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Procalcitonin expression is likely to be a clinically useful biomarker for sepsis in dogs and might have an additional role in prognostication and therapeutic decision‐making.

Serial analysis of blood biomarker concentrations in dogs with pneumonia, septic peritonitis, and pyometra

“…Previously recognized temporal responses of APPs and other biomarkers to an inflammatory stimulus were recapitulated here. 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 Haptoglobin is a minor APP in dogs with delayed onset and resolution relative to CRP and SAA, 65 , 69 and its delayed normalization here was consistent with a study of dogs with pyometra. 30 …”

“…For CRP, the median (IQR) times to 20% peak and to RI were 7 (6-9) and other biomarkers to an inflammatory stimulus were recapitulated here. [64][65][66][67][68] Haptoglobin is a minor APP in dogs with delayed onset and resolution relative to CRP and SAA, 65,69 and its delayed normalization here was consistent with a study of dogs with pyometra. 30 We also aimed to compare time to biomarker normalization with AMD duration and the time to biomarker normalization across diseases.…”

“…In general, inflammatory biomarker concentrations were highest on D1 or D3 and decreased over time, with normalization of biomarker concentrations typically by D14 except for haptoglobin. Previously recognized temporal responses of APPs and other biomarkers to an inflammatory stimulus were recapitulated here 64‐68 . Haptoglobin is a minor APP in dogs with delayed onset and resolution relative to CRP and SAA, 65,69 and its delayed normalization here was consistent with a study of dogs with pyometra 30 …”

Investigation of procalcitonin and beta‐defensin2 in the serum and feces of dogs with acute diarrhea

“…A recent canine study investigated the association between PCT and induced endotoxemia in 16 dogs. The results showed a significant increase in PCT serum concentrations after injection of lipopolysaccharide, suggesting that PCT is influenced by bacteria‐related inflammation and might be a marker for such disease processes 34 . The present study showed that dogs with acute diarrhea had increased serum PCT concentrations, even if they were not septic.…”

Procalcitonin Detection in Veterinary Species: Investigation of Commercial ELISA Kits

“…Goggs et al [ 12 ] confirmed that the Biovendor canine PCT ELISA assay was able to detect canine PCT and can be used to determine plasma PCT concentrations in dogs. Furthermore, Easley et al [ 13 ] reported the evaluation of PCT concentrations in dogs as a prognostic factor by using the same recombinant ELISA kit. Yilmaz et al [ 14 ] reported the use of a commercial human ELISA kit for the detection of canine PCT but no validation data are reported.…”