Calcium regulating hormones and serum calcium and magnesium concentrations in septic and critically ill foals and their association with survival.

Authors: Hurcombe S D A, Toribio R E, Slovis N M, Saville W J, Mudge M C, Macgillivray K, Frazer M L

Journal: Journal of veterinary internal medicine

DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0275.x PubMed: 19210311Log in to save

Summary

# Editorial Summary Calcium dysregulation is well-documented in critically ill humans but remains poorly characterised in equine neonates, prompting this investigation into whether septic and critically ill foals develop similar electrolyte and hormonal imbalances and whether these disturbances influence clinical outcomes. Researchers measured serum calcium, magnesium, and calcium-regulating hormones (parathyroid hormone and calcitriol) in 51 critically ill foals—including those with septicaemia—comparing values against healthy controls and examining correlations with survival status. Septic and critically ill foals demonstrated significantly lower ionised calcium concentrations and altered parathyroid hormone responses compared to healthy foals, with survivors generally maintaining better-regulated calcium and magnesium levels than non-survivors. These findings suggest that hypocalcaemia and associated hormonal dysregulation may serve as markers of illness severity and prognostic indicators in equine critical care. For practitioners managing neonatal sepsis or critical illness, monitoring serum ionised calcium and magnesium alongside conventional parameters could refine prognostic assessment and guide supportive therapeutic decisions, particularly where calcium supplementation or other targeted interventions might be warranted in cases showing significant derangement.

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Practical Takeaways

•Monitor serum calcium and magnesium concentrations in septic and critically ill foals as potential prognostic indicators and targets for supportive care
•Calcium dysregulation should be considered part of the systemic response to sepsis in foals and may warrant intervention similar to human critical care protocols
•Assessment of calcium-regulating hormone status may help identify underlying mechanisms of electrolyte derangements in critically ill foals

Key Findings

•Disorders of calcium regulation are frequently identified in septic and critically ill foals, similar to patterns observed in critically ill humans
•Serum calcium and magnesium concentrations were measured and evaluated for association with survival outcomes in the study population
•Calcium regulating hormones were assessed to characterize the pathophysiology of calcium disorders in septic foals

Conditions Studied

septicemiacritical illnesscalcium dysregulationdisorders of calcium regulation

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