LAUSR

BACKGROUND Limited information is available regarding endothelial glycocalyx degradation during sepsis in horses. Plasma syndecan-1 concentrations are increased in consequence to sepsis in other species and have been useful for prognostication. OBJECTIVES To determine whether plasma syndecan-1 levels are increased in adult horses affected with sepsis. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Adult horses were assigned to one of three groups based on results of physical and laboratory examinations, clinical diagnosis, and results of previously described SIRS classification: Group 1 horses included healthy, nonseptic horses; Group 2 included horses in which clinical illness was identified but that were not considered to be septic; Group 3 included horses with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis. Plasma syndecan-1 concentration was determined in blood obtained at admission into the hospital for each horse, using an equine specific ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA and linear regression (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS One hundred and ninety-one horses were included and divided into three groups. Scores for SIRS was highest for Group 3 horses and lowest in Groups 1 and 2. Plasma syndecan-1 concentrations in Group 3 horses (50.73 ± 84.24 μg/mL; n = 42) were greater than those for Group 1 (15.69 ± 11.28 μg/mL; n = 66) and Group 2 (16.88 ± 15.30 μg/mL; n = 83). There was no difference regarding syndecan concentrations between Groups 1 and 2. MAIN LIMITATIONS Retrospective study design, solitary time point of measurement for each patient, and lack of a widely accepted consensus regarding definitive diagnosis of sepsis in adult horses. CONCLUSIONS Circulating plasma levels of syndecan-1, a biochemical marker of endothelial glycocalyx damage, are increased in septic adult horses.