Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lipoprotein patterns in fluid from dogs and cats with effusions
By Alonso, Flavio H et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2022·Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Lipoprotein profile of pleural and peritoneal transudates in dogs and cats.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the fluid that builds up in the chest or abdomen of dogs and cats, known as transudative effusions, to see if the types of fats (lipoproteins) in the fluid could help identify the underlying health issues. Researchers analyzed samples from 18 cats and 37 dogs and found two main patterns of lipoproteins. One pattern was linked to conditions like chronic kidney disease and certain types of liver issues, while the other was associated with heart disease and tumors. They also noted that some fluids related to pancreatitis had high levels of triglycerides. Overall, the findings suggest that the composition of these fluids can provide important clues about the underlying diseases affecting pets.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Current diagnostic evaluation of transudative effusions rarely aids in identifying an underlying etiology. Lipoproteins in the fluid might reflect the site or nature of vessel involvement. OBJECTIVES: Improve the classification and diagnostic utility of pleural and peritoneal transudates in dogs and cats by investigating lipoprotein patterns in effusions. Compare these patterns with other peritonaeal and pleural fluid variables and underlying diseases. ANIMALS: Samples of transudates and serum from 18 cats and 37 dogs with transudative effusion (total nucleated cell count [TNCC] <5000 cells/μL) were analyzed. METHODS: Lipoprotein fractions, triglyceride, and cholesterol (CHO) concentrations were prospectively determined in paired fluid and serum samples. Standard fluid measurements were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Two distinct fluid lipoprotein patterns were noted. Fluids rich in VLDL+IDL were associated with chronic kidney disease, acquired portosystemic shunts or protein-losing enteropathy (group I). Fluids rich in denser lipoproteins were associated with underlying heart disease, caudal vena cava syndrome or intracavitary neoplasia (group II). Group I and group II also had significant differences between fluid concentrations of CHO (x̄ = 8 vs 110 mg/dL) and TP (x̄ = 0.6 vs 3.8 g/dL), respectively. Five peritoneal transudates were triglyceride-rich (>100 mg/dL) and associated with pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Protein-poor (TP <1.5 g/dL) and protein-rich (TP >2.5 g/dL) transudates were associated with distinct lipoprotein patterns and specific groups of disease. Effusions secondary to pancreatitis might be transudative and rich in triglycerides.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35166405/