Plasmapheresis Effect on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Athletic Horses Subjected to Exercise.
Authors: Daden Réda, Zarhouni Fatima Zahraa, Chakir Jamal, Piro Mohammed, Achaâban Mohamed Rachid, Ouassat Mohammed, El Allali Khalid
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers investigated whether plasmapheresis—the removal of 17 mL plasma per kilogramme of body weight—could favourably alter recovery markers in athletic horses, comparing six jumping horses undergoing the procedure with six matched controls, all subjected to three consecutive days of graded exercise. The technique was well tolerated and produced immediate, significant haematological shifts: elevated haemoglobin, haematocrit, red and white blood cell counts reflected plasma volume reduction, whilst albumin, globulin and total protein concentrations fell dramatically (P < 0.001) before normalising within 24 hours. Most importantly, plasmapheresis substantially lowered post-exercise elevations of lactate, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase (P < 0.001)—markers traditionally associated with muscle fatigue and cellular stress—though electrolyte perturbations (increased sodium, decreased potassium and calcium) merit consideration. For practitioners managing competition horses or those subjected to intensive training schedules, these findings suggest plasmapheresis may accelerate clearance of exercise-induced metabolic byproducts and potentially support recovery; however, the small sample size and absence of performance or clinical outcome data limit confidence in translating these laboratory improvements into tangible athletic or welfare benefits, warranting further investigation before widespread adoption.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Plasmapheresis was well-tolerated in jumping horses and demonstrates potential as a post-exercise recovery modality by reducing exercise-induced metabolic markers
- •The procedure causes temporary changes in plasma proteins and electrolytes that normalize within 24 hours, requiring monitoring but not contraindication
- •Evidence suggests plasmapheresis may accelerate clearance of exercise-induced muscle damage markers, though clinical performance benefits require further investigation
Key Findings
- •Plasmapheresis significantly increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, WBC, and lymphocyte counts in jumping horses
- •Plasmapheresis induced very significant decrease (P < 0.001) in albumin, globulin, and total protein levels that recovered within 24 hours
- •Plasmapheresis caused very significant increase (P < 0.001) in sodium and significant decreases in potassium (P < 0.05) and calcium (P < 0.01) levels
- •Following exercise-induced elevations, plasmapheresis induced very significant continuous decrease (P < 0.001) in lactate, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase levels