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Hyperfibrinolysis in Cats: A Retrospective Case-Control Study of 154 Cats
Anabel Priego-Corredor1, María Rocío Del Saiz-Álvarez1, Anna Vila-Soriano1
1Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Catholic University of Valencia (VTHCUV), Valencia, Spain.
Insights
Hyperfibrinolysis in cats is linked to liver disease and cavitary effusion. This condition, however, does not appear to impact survival rates in feline patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Coagulation Science
- Feline Health
Background:
- Hyperfibrinolysis (HFL) is a bleeding disorder not well-documented in feline species.
- Understanding HFL in cats is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- This study aims to elucidate risk factors and prognostic implications of HFL in cats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with hyperfibrinolysis in cats.
- To evaluate the impact of HFL on survival outcomes in feline patients.
- To compare feline HFL risk factors with those observed in canine and human medicine.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study involving 154 client-owned cats undergoing thromboelastography (TEG).
- Cases were defined by specific lysis parameters on TEG (LY30 ≥ 5% or LY60 ≥ 10%).
- Data collected included signalment, clinical conditions, TEG variables, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Hyperfibrinolysis (HFL) was identified in 33.8% of the studied cats.
- Liver disease (OR, 5.0) and cavitary effusion (OR, 5.9) were significant risk factors for HFL.
- Heart disease was associated with a decreased likelihood of HFL (OR, 0.2), and HFL presence did not affect survival (p=0.84).
Conclusions:
- Liver disease and cavitary effusion are identified as key risk factors for hyperfibrinolysis in cats.
- The presence of HFL in cats does not appear to negatively influence survival.
- Findings suggest potential differences in HFL pathophysiology between cats and other species.
Background:
Hyperfibrinolysis (HFL) has not been well described in cats.
Hypothesis/Objectives:
Identify risk factors associated with HFL in cats and evaluate its association with survival. Our hypotheses were that cats share similar conditions as dogs and humans with HFL and that it is associated with a worse prognosis.
Animals:
A total of 154 client-owned cats had thromboelastography (TEG) performed because of a variety of clinical conditions.
Methods:
Retrospective case-control study. Cases were defined as cats with HFL (clot lysis at 30 min [LY30] ≥ 5% or clot lysis at 60 min [LY60] ≥ 10% or both) and controls were cats that had TEG performed but without HFL. Signalment, conditions that may alter fibrinolysis, TEG variables, indications to perform TEG, and outcome were recorded.
Results:
Fifty-two cats (33.8%) with HFL and 102 controls (66.2%) were included. Demographic variables were similar between groups. Both liver disease (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-10.6; p < 0.001) and the presence of cavitary effusion (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.8-12.4; p < 0.001) were important risk factors for HFL. Cats with heart disease were less likely to have HFL (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.5; p < 0.001). The presence of HFL was not associated with worse outcome (p = 0.84). Cats with HFL more often were hypocoagulable, whereas cats without HFL more often were hypercoagulable (p < 0.001).
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
Liver disease and cavitary effusion are risk factors for HFL in cats. The presence of HFL did not affect survival.
