title: Risk factors for epistaxis in jump racing in Great Britain (2001-2009).
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with developing epistaxis in jump racing in Great Britain (GB). A retrospective analysis of records from horses running in all hurdle and steeplechase races in GB between 2001 and 2009 identified diagnoses of epistaxis whilst still at the racecourse. Data were used from 603 starts resulting in epistaxis (event) and 169,065 starts resulting in no epistaxis (non-event) in hurdle racing, and from 550 event starts and 102,344 non-event starts in steeplechase racing. Two multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate risk factors associated with epistaxis were produced. The potential effect of clustering of data (within horse, horse dam, horse sire, trainer, jockey, course, race and race meet) on the associations between risk factors and epistaxis was examined using mixed-effects models. Multiple factors associated with increased risk of epistaxis were identified. Those identified in both types of jump racing included running on firmer ground; horses with >75% of career starts in flat racing and a previous episode of epistaxis recorded during racing. Risk factors identified only in hurdle racing included racing in the spring and increased age at first race; and those identified only in steeplechase racing included running in a claiming race and more starts in the previous 3-6 months. The risk factors identified provide important information about the risk of developing epistaxis. Multiple avenues for further investigation are highlighted, including unmeasured variables at the level of the racecourse. The results of this study can be used to guide the development of interventions to minimise the risk of epistaxis in jump racing.
authors.affiliation: The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh University, Midlothian EH25 9R, Scotland, UK. Electronic address: richard.reardon@ed.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Richard J M
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Reardon
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Lisa A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Boden
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Dominic J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Mellor
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Sandy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Love
authors.affiliation: Animal Health Trust, Newmarket CB8 7UU, England, UK.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.affiliation: The British Horseracing Authority, High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS, England, UK.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Stirk
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Timothy D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Parkin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012420:Running; D013177:Sports; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Epistaxis; Great Britain; Jump racing; Racehorse; Risk factor analysis