Does IgG concentration predict clinical outcome?

Complete colostrum deprivation has been shown to be associated with high mortality [1] and there is early evidence that low IgG concentration has an association with sepsis and increased mortality [2,3]. This session aims to address the association between IgG and clinical outcome. The available evidence can be split into different categories. In critically ill foal populations Low IgG has been associated with failure to survive in a number of studies: [4,5]. Additionally IgG is an important component of the sepsis score and a positive sepsis score has been associated with nonsurvival: [2,6]. In other studies low IgG has not been associated with failure to survive: [7,8].

Farm/stud populations

Failure of passive transfer (<400 mg/dl) was associated with increased mortality in a large extensively managed foal herd in Canada [9]. Partial failure of passive transfer (400–800 mg/dl) was associated with an increased risk of severe disease in 4 Australian breeding farms [10]. Failure of passive transfer (<800 mg/dl) was associated with an increased risk of septic illness in the first month of life on a large Australian Thoroughbred farm [11]. No association was found between the incidence of infectious disease and IgG in a large population of foals <30 days of age in intensively managed studs in Newmarket, UK [12]. No association was found between the incidence/severity of illness or survival rate in a large population of Standardbred foals [13]. […]