Julia So Severo1, Aline Elisa Santana1, Valeria Aoki2, Nilceo S Michalany3, Matheus Matioli Mantovani1, Carlos Eduardo Larsson1, Carlos Eduardo Larsson1. 1. Department of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando M. Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil. 2. Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Eneas C. Aguiar, 255, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil. 3. Dermatopathology Laboratory of São Paulo, Av. Brig. Luis Antônio, 4315, São Paulo, SP, 01401-002, Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute phase protein in dogs and may be an inflammatory marker of autoimmune diseases. HYPOTHESIS/ OBJECTIVES: To measure pre- and post-treatment CRP levels in dogs with superficial pyoderma (SP) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) compared to normal dogs; to evaluate possible correlation between CRP values, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), and pemphigus foliaceus extent and severity index (PEFESI) scores. ANIMALS: Fifty nine dogs divided into three groups: Group I (control, n = 31), Group II (SP, n = 14) and Group III (PF, n = 14). METHODS: CRP levels were measured in Group I dogs. Skin biopsies of Groups II and III dogs were obtained for histopathological examination. In Group II dogs, CRP levels were measured at days 0, 15, 30 and 60. In Group III dogs were evaluated by PEFESI, IIF and CRP levels at days 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90. RESULTS: Group III showed a higher median CRP (37.4 mg/mL) compared to the other groups (Group I, CRP 2.9 mg/mL, P < 0.0001; Group II CRP 3.8 mg/mL, P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in CRP levels between groups I and II. IIF titres and CRP levels decreased in most cases of PF with clinical improvement. Dogs with CRP >10.6 μg/mL were 5.5 times more likely to have PF than SP. There was a strong positive correlation between CRP values and PEFESI and a weak positive correlation between CRP values and IIF titres. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CRP levels are increased in dogs with PF and exceed levels found in most dogs with SP.
BACKGROUND:C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute phase protein in dogs and may be an inflammatory marker of autoimmune diseases. HYPOTHESIS/ OBJECTIVES: To measure pre- and post-treatment CRP levels in dogs with superficial pyoderma (SP) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) compared to normal dogs; to evaluate possible correlation between CRP values, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), and pemphigus foliaceus extent and severity index (PEFESI) scores. ANIMALS: Fifty nine dogs divided into three groups: Group I (control, n = 31), Group II (SP, n = 14) and Group III (PF, n = 14). METHODS:CRP levels were measured in Group I dogs. Skin biopsies of Groups II and III dogs were obtained for histopathological examination. In Group II dogs, CRP levels were measured at days 0, 15, 30 and 60. In Group III dogs were evaluated by PEFESI, IIF and CRP levels at days 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90. RESULTS: Group III showed a higher median CRP (37.4 mg/mL) compared to the other groups (Group I, CRP 2.9 mg/mL, P < 0.0001; Group II CRP 3.8 mg/mL, P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in CRP levels between groups I and II. IIF titres and CRP levels decreased in most cases of PF with clinical improvement. Dogs with CRP >10.6 μg/mL were 5.5 times more likely to have PF than SP. There was a strong positive correlation between CRP values and PEFESI and a weak positive correlation between CRP values and IIF titres. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CRP levels are increased in dogs with PF and exceed levels found in most dogs with SP.