How to detect sepsis in dogs with pyometra using SIRS and qSOFA scores

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the usability of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) scores developed for the rapid, reliable and accurate detection of sepsis and organ damage in dogs with pyometra. In the study, dogs with clinical findings (depression, anorexia, weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, fever), diagnosed with pyometra as a result of gynecological, clinical and laboratory examinations and treated surgically (n = 20) were included in the pyometra group. Healthy dogs that underwent routine ovariohysterectomy (n = 20) were added to the control group. In both groups, complete blood and serum biochemistry (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, creatine kinase) analyses were performed at the time of diagnosis in the preoperative period. SIRS and qSOFA scores were measured in both groups before surgery and on the third postoperative day. According to the data obtained as a result of the study, the sensitivity and selectivity of qSOFA score in the diagnosis of pyometra were determined to be 65 % and 100 %, respectively. SIRS score was found to have a sensitivity of 95 % and a selectivity of 100 %. The AUC values of SIRS and qSOFA scores were determined as 0.985 and 0.896, respectively. These results indicate that the qSOFA score has good performance in the diagnosis of pyometra, but lower accuracy than the SIRS score, and the SIRS score has high accuracy in the diagnosis of dogs with pyometra. SIRS is a more accurate and reliable screening tool in the diagnosis of dogs with pyometra at risk of sepsis.