Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome in feline sepsis: prevalence and prognostic implication

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Critical Care
• Feline Health

Background:

• Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in cats.
• Multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a severe complication.
• Understanding MODS prevalence and impact in feline sepsis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of MODS in cats with sepsis.
• To evaluate the prognostic significance of MODS and individual organ dysfunction.
• To identify risk factors for mortality in septic cats.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of 43 cats diagnosed with sepsis.
• Calculation of Feline Acute Patient Physiological and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE) scores.
• Assessment of hepatic, renal, respiratory, cardiocirculatory, and haemostatic dysfunction.
• Definition of MODS as simultaneous dysfunction of at least two organs.
• Univariate and multivariate regression analyses for mortality risk factors.

Main Results:

• MODS was present in 25/43 cats on admission and 32/43 at hospital discharge.
• MODS, renal, and cardiovascular dysfunction upon admission significantly increased mortality odds.
• The number of dysfunctional organs was the sole predictor of mortality in multivariate analysis.
• Significant correlations were found between the number of dysfunctional organs and APPLE scores.

Conclusions:

• MODS is a frequent and serious complication in feline sepsis.
• Renal and cardiovascular dysfunction are key indicators of increased mortality risk.
• Systematic screening for organ dysfunction is recommended for septic cats to improve prognosis.