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Identification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Paraffin-Embedded Feline Arterial Thrombi using Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: March 29, 2020
Cardiac biomarkers in cats
K Borgeat1, D J Connolly2, V Luis Fuentes2
1Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom; Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Insights
Cardiac biomarkers like N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I aid in diagnosing feline heart disease. This review covers their use in respiratory distress, occult conditions, and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Cardiac biomarkers have been integral to feline heart disease assessment for over 10 years.
- Commercial reference laboratories provide widespread availability of these diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the evidence base for cardiac biomarker utilization in feline clinical practice.
- To focus on six key areas of biomarker application in cats.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature on feline cardiac biomarkers.
- Analysis of studies focusing on N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I.
Main Results:
- Cardiac biomarkers assist in differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac respiratory distress.
- Biomarker measurement in urine and pleural fluid is explored.
- Identification of occult cardiomyopathy and effects of systemic disease are discussed.
- Point-of-care testing and prognostic utility are evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac biomarkers are valuable tools in diagnosing and managing feline heart disease.
- Further research supports their expanded clinical application and prognostic value.
Abstract:
Cardiac biomarkers have been used in cats as part of the clinical assessment of heart disease for over a decade. They are widely available to practitioners through commercial reference laboratories. The evidence base for the use of cardiac biomarkers (primarily N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I) in cats is comprehensively reviewed in this article, focusing on each of six specific areas: distinguishing cardiac from non-cardiac causes of respiratory distress; measurement of cardiac biomarkers in urine and pleural fluid; identification of occult cardiomyopathy; effects of systemic disease on circulating concentrations of cardiac biomarkers; point-of-care biomarker testing, and the possible prognostic utility of cardiac biomarker measurement.
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