Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations decrease following treatment of primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The measurement of serum cardiac troponin I concentrations in dogs with a range of non-primary cardiac illnesses suggests that cardiac myocyte damage is commonplace. Dogs with primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia have increased serum cardiac troponin I concentrations at the time of diagnosis. However, it is unclear whether biochemical evidence of cardiac myocyte damage improves following successful treatment of anaemia. METHODS: A haematology profile was performed and serum cardiac troponin I concentrations were measured in 19 dogs with primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia before and after treatment. RESULTS: The haematocrit increased significantly (P = 0 &#xb7; 0001) following treatment of primary IMHA (median pre: 0 &#xb7; 13 L/L, median post: 0 &#xb7; 33 L/L). The serum cardiac troponin I concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0 &#xb7; 05) after treatment (median pre: 0 &#xb7; 26 ng/mL, median post: 0 &#xb7; 16 ng/mL). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Serum cardiac troponin I concentration decreases following successful treatment of primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. The clinical and prognostic significance of serum cardiac troponin I concentrations before and after treatment in dogs with primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia merits further investigation.