The effects of automated plasmapheresis on clinical, haematological, biochemical and coagulation variables in horses.
Authors: Feige K, Ehrat F B, Kästner S B R, Wampfler B
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Automated Plasmapheresis in Donor Horses Feige and colleagues investigated whether harvesting plasma at 20 mL/kg bodyweight via automated plasmapheresis produces clinically significant changes in donor horses, tracking haematological, biochemical and coagulation parameters over 32 days in six healthy animals. Whilst the procedure induced measurable shifts across multiple variables—including elevated red and white cell counts during collection, reduced total protein and albumin concentrations (normalising after approximately three weeks), and mild prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin and thrombin times with decreased factor V, VIII and antithrombin activities—all values remained within normal reference ranges and no adverse clinical effects were observed. The findings suggest that this plasma donation protocol is well-tolerated, though practitioners should be aware that temporary hypoproteinaemia occurs and coagulation capacity is modestly compromised in the immediate post-procedure period. For those managing plasma donor horses or considering plasmapheresis for therapeutic applications, this provides reassurance about safety margins, though individual assessment remains prudent, particularly if multiple collections are planned or donors have underlying health concerns.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Plasmapheresis at 20 mL/kg is safe for healthy donor horses with no clinically significant adverse effects on behaviour or general condition
- •Monitor protein levels post-procedure as total protein takes ~3 weeks to normalize, but routine supplementation is unlikely necessary given values remain within reference ranges
- •Coagulation parameters show mild changes but remain clinically adequate; donor horses can safely return to normal use following plasmapheresis
Key Findings
- •Collection of 20 mL plasma/kg body weight via plasmapheresis caused mild increases in haematocrit, haemoglobin, and erythrocyte/leucocyte counts (P < 0.01)
- •Total protein and albumin decreased significantly with total protein not normalizing for approximately three weeks (P < 0.01)
- •Activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time increased mildly but significantly (P < 0.01), with decreased factor V, factor VIII, and antithrombin activities
- •All haematological, biochemical, and coagulation changes remained within reference ranges with no clinical relevance for donor horses