Effect of plasma transfusion on hyaluronic acid in sick dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in circulating hyaluronic acid (HA) concentration, a biomarker of endothelial glycocalyx degradation, after administration of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) in critically ill dogs. ANIMALS: 12 client-owned dogs receiving an FFP transfusion due to underlying disease. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected for HA concentration measurement pre-FFP transfusion (T0) and 10 minutes (T10) and 90 minutes (T90) following completion of FFP transfusion of a minimum volume of 7 mL/kg. Hyaluronic acid was also measured in the transfused FFP units following in-house validation of a commercial HA assay on citrate phosphate dextrose-anticoagulated plasma. Potential associations of the difference between pre-FFP and post-FFP HA plasma concentrations with the volume of FFP transfused, the cumulative volume of IV fluids administered during the study period, and the HA concentration in the transfused unit were explored. RESULTS: Concentrations of HA were not significantly different between pre- and post-FFP transfusion measurements. The volume of FFP transfused, the cumulative volume of other IV fluids administered during the study time, and the concentration of HA in the FFP units had no significant effect on the change in HA concentration following FFP transfusion in this study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This pilot study did not demonstrate an association between FFP administration and changes in plasma HA concentration. The results of this study may serve to help design future research. A commercial assay was validated to measure HA in citrate phosphate dextrose-anticoagulated plasma.