Comparison of lithium dilution and thermodilution cardiac output measurements in anaesthetised neonatal foals.
Authors: Corley K T T, Donaldson L L, Furr M O
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Lithium Dilution Cardiac Output Measurement in Neonatal Foals Monitoring cardiac output in critically ill or anaesthetised neonatal foals has historically posed significant clinical challenges, yet accurate haemodynamic assessment is essential for guiding treatment decisions in hypotensive neonates. Corley and colleagues evaluated lithium dilution—a non-invasive technique that eliminates the need for cardiac catheterisation—against the established thermodilution method in 30–42-hour-old foals under isoflurane anaesthesia. The two techniques demonstrated excellent concordance across a physiologically relevant cardiac output range of 5.4–20.4 l/min, establishing lithium dilution as a reliable alternative for haemodynamic monitoring in anaesthetised neonates. Beyond the operating theatre, this practical methodology may prove particularly valuable in intensive care settings, where non-invasive real-time cardiac output data could inform fluid therapy and inotropic support decisions in septic or critically compromised foals. Further investigation in conscious, critically ill foals is warranted to determine clinical applicability and whether lithium dilution can meaningfully improve survival outcomes in neonatal intensive care.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Lithium dilution offers a non-invasive method to monitor cardiac output in anaesthetised neonatal foals, helping guide hypotension management during critical care or anaesthesia
- •This technique could improve treatment protocols in neonatal foal emergencies by providing reliable haemodynamic data without the complications of cardiac catheterisation
- •Further investigation in conscious critically ill foals is warranted before widespread clinical adoption
Key Findings
- •Lithium dilution and thermodilution methods showed good agreement for cardiac output measurement in isoflurane-anaesthetised neonatal foals aged 30-42 hours
- •Cardiac output range measured was 5.4-20.4 l/min across the study population
- •Lithium dilution is a practical alternative to thermodilution as it does not require cardiac catheterisation in anaesthetised foals