Incidence and prognostic value of low plasma ionized calcium concentration in cats with acute pancreatitis: 46 cases (1996-1998).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence and prognostic significance of low plasma ionized calcium concentration in cats with clinical signs of acute pancreatitis (AP).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
46 cats with AP and 92 control cats with nonpancreatic diseases.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed, and results of clinicopathologic testing, including plasma ionized and total calcium concentrations, acid-base values, and electrolyte concentrations, were recorded. Cats with AP were grouped on the basis of outcome (survived vs died or were euthanatized), and plasma ionized calcium concentrations, acid-base values, and electrolyte concentrations were compared between groups.


RESULTS
Serum total calcium concentration was low in 19 (41%) cats with AP, and plasma ionized calcium concentration was low in 28 (61%). Cats with AP had a significantly lower median plasma ionized calcium concentration (1.07 mmol/L) than did control cats (1.12 mmol/L). Nineteen (41%) cats with AP died or were euthanatized; these cats had a significantly lower median plasma ionized calcium concentration (1.00 mmol/L) than did cats that survived (1.12 mmol/L). Ten of the 13 cats with AP that had plasma ionized calcium concentrations < or = 1.00 mmol/L died or were euthanatized.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that low plasma ionized calcium concentration is common in cats with AP and is associated with a poorer outcome. A grave prognosis and aggressive medical treatment are warranted for cats with AP that have a plasma ionized calcium concentration < or = 1.00 mmol/L.
Kimmel
S E
SE
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
Washabau
R J
RJ
Drobatz
K J
KJ
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality; D002415:Cats; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000097:blood / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography
D004573:Electrolytes; D002118:Calcium