Prospective evaluation of the Animal Trauma Triage Score and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale in 25 cats with high-rise syndrome

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the prognostic utility of the Animal Trauma Triage Score (ATTS) and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) in cats with high-rise syndrome. Methods ATTS and MGCS were obtained upon arrival from 25 client-owned cats presented for high-rise syndrome. Cases were followed during hospitalisation and several variables, including outcome, were recorded. Results The mortality rate in this cohort of cats with high-rise syndrome was 16%. Univariate statistical analysis showed that lactate ( P = 0.022), creatinine ( P = 0.01), body weight ( P = 0.036) and ATTS ( P = 0.02) were higher and MGCS ( P = 0.011) lower among non-survivors. Multivariable statistical analysis showed that ATTS was the only factor significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–5.71; P = 0.046). A receiver operating characteristics curve showed that ATTS was an excellent predictor of mortality (area under the curve 0.917, 95% CI 0.8–1.0; P = 0.009). An ATTS cut-off of 6.0 had a 75% sensitivity and 90% specificity for non-survival and a cut-off of 10 had a 25% sensitivity and 100% specificity for non-survival. Conclusions and relevance ATTS is predictive of severity and outcome in cats with high-rise syndrome and can help facilitate decision-making by owners and veterinarians.