Plasma syndecan-1 concentration as a biomarker for endothelial glycocalyx degradation in septic adult horses.

Background: Limited information is available regarding endothelial glycocalyx degradation during sepsis in horses. Plasma syndecan-1 concentrations are increased in consequence of 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 were 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.