Comparison of tracheal aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavage in racehorses. 2. Evaluation of the diagnostic significance of neutrophil percentage.

摘要: Objective To determine whether diagnosis of airway inflammation, using cut-off percentages for neutrophils, differs when based on samples from tracheal aspirate (TA) and bron-choalveolar lavage (BAL) collected concomitantly the same racehorse. Design Retrospective case series 48 young Thoroughbred Standardbred racehorses in race training, but showing poor performance. Procedure TA BAL were all horses 1 to 2 h after high-speed treadmill exercise. Aliquots retrieved fluid cytocentrifuged smears stained with Diff-Quik®. The mean percentage neutrophils was calculated. Diagnostic points set at 20% TA 5% samples. Agreement interpretations between two techniques analysed. Results In 19 51 paired (37%) there differences diagnostic interpretation Of these, inflammation indicated only by sample 13 6. Conclusion TA give important information about different regions airway, neither should be used alone entire lung. limitations these procedures that both it is desired cytologically evaluate lower airway.