Abstract
Simple SummaryIn human patients with intestinal inflammation, many other diseases may occur due to it, but their presence in dogs is rarely described. The aim of the study was to prove if antibodies against red blood cells (RBC) were present in dogs with chronic intestinal inflammation (IBD), as it is demonstrated for humans, and to described other RBC abnormalities. IBD was diagnosed using the current consensus and a disease severity score was assessed for each dog, as well as score from endoscopy and intestinal histology. Our results showed that most of dogs had antibodies against RBC and 50% of dogs showed RBC regeneration in addition to chronic inflammation hematologic findings. In IBD dogs, the presence of anti-RBC antibodies and the other RBC alterations may suggest a subclinical RBC damaged (hemolysis).Several extra-intestinal manifestations, including immune-mediated cytopenias, are reported in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whereas they are poorly documented in dogs. Hypothesizing that immune-mediated subclinical anemia can occur in canine IBD, the study aim was to evaluate the erythrogram and the presence of anti-RBC antibodies in dogs with IBD. IBD was diagnosed according to the following criteria: chronic gastrointestinal signs, ruling out of extra-intestinal diseases, no improvement with diet trial, histological evidence of inflammatory infiltration, and improvement after immunosuppressant therapy. Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI) endoscopic and histopathological scores were assessed for each dog. Twenty-five dogs were enrolled, and each dog had a CBC evaluation prior to endoscopy. The CBC was performed using laser hematology analyzer and blood smears were carefully reviewed for the presence of nucleated RBC, anisocytosis, polychromasia, and Howell–Jolly bodies. IgG and IgM anti-RBC antibodies were evaluated with flow cytometry. A high frequency of positive cases for anti-RBC antibodies in dogs with IBD (17/25 dogs) was ascertained. Approximatively 50% of dogs showed some hematologic features of RBC regeneration in addition to hematologic findings consistent with chronic inflammation. Anti-RBC antibodies and signs of erythroid regeneration may suggest possible subclinical chronic immune-mediated hemolysis that can cause anemia in dogs with IBD, together with the chronic inflammation.
Highlights
Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) are defined as “symptoms that occur in the human patient with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and that arise from the involvement of other organs or systems by extension/translocation of the inflammatory process or by an independent but perpetuated event from IBD or that shares environmental or genetic predisposition with it” [1]
The pathogenesis of EIMs in IBD is believed to be linked to immune response itself caused by the intestinal disease
In human IBD, EIMs are well documented, with a prevalence ranging from 31% in patients with Crohn’s disease and 43% in patients with ulcerative colitis [2]
Summary
Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) are defined as “symptoms that occur in the human patient with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and that arise from the involvement of other organs or systems by extension/translocation of the inflammatory process or by an independent but perpetuated event from IBD or that shares environmental or genetic predisposition with it” [1]. The pathogenesis of EIMs in IBD is believed to be linked to immune response itself caused by the intestinal disease. Extraintestinal complications are mainly caused by the disease itself (e.g., malabsorption with consequent micronutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathies, kidney stones, gallstones, and IBD drug-related side effects) [2]. In veterinary medicine, this distinction is not as clear as it is in human medicine. In human IBD, EIMs are well documented, with a prevalence ranging from 31% in patients with Crohn’s disease and 43% in patients with ulcerative colitis [2]. IBD and EIMs may share a common pathogenic pathway, since one EIM increases the probability of another
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
