Retrospective evaluation of the short‐term response of human intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in the management of canine immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (2010–2015): 27 cases

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the short‐term response, early prognostic markers, and survival after treatment of canine immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) with human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) and methylprednisolone.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingsPrivate referral veterinary medical center.AnimalsTwenty‐seven client‐owned dogs with primary or secondary ITP.InterventionsAll dogs received 2 mg/kg IV methylprednisolone once daily and a single infusion of 5% hIVIG administered over 6–12 hours.Measurements and Main ResultsA substantial increase in platelet count within 60 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T60) was observed in 19 of the 27 (70%) dogs with ITP (responders). Thirty‐four variables, including serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentration 24 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T24IgG) and increase in serum IgG concentration 24 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T24ΔIgG), were compared between responders and nonresponders at 5 different time points. Mortality rates of responders and nonresponders were evaluated 14 days post‐hIVIG infusion. Serum T24IgG and serum T24ΔIgG were both significantly higher at T60 in responders. All responders were alive 14 days post‐hIVIG infusion, and their mortality rate was significantly lower compared with nonresponders.ConclusionsResponder dogs had an excellent 14‐day survival rate. Serum T24IgG and serum T24ΔIgG concentrations accurately predicted response status at 60 hours post‐hIVIG infusion.