Pulmonary function tests to evaluate gas exchange and pulmonary capacity in neonatal cattle

Author(s)

Paulo Fantinato Neto

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2015-03-11

Examining board members

Eduardo Harry Birgel Junior; José Renato Junqueira Borges; Jose Simon Camelo Junior; Fabio Celidonio Pogliani; Luciano Andrade Silva

• Advisor: Eduardo Harry Birgel Junior

Abstract

The main causes of perinatal death in cattle are frequently related to cardiorespiratory distress. A great number of losses are placed during the first 48h after birth, when important physiological adjustments to the extra-uterine life are still in progress. Recent increase of offspring derived from assisted reproductive in vitro biotechnologies resulted in diminished survival rates of the newborn. The present study aimed to obtain standard values of hemodynamic evaluation, blood gas and spirometry of Nelore calves conceived by artificial insemination (AI) born at term, spontaneously, or from premature calves born by cesarean delivery, as well as to establish protocols of neonatal intensive care focusing on premature animals. Objectively, the study comprised: 1. The evaluation of invasive pressure values from right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery and pulmonary wedge pressure, blood gas, spirometry and capnography of Nelore calves born spontaneously; 2. Evaluation and standardization of arterial blood gas of Nelore calves born at term spontaneously; 3. Evaluation of invasive pressure of pulmonary artery (PAP) and effects of sildenafil administration on its values from Nelore premature calves born by cesarean; 4. The comparison of hemodynamic, blood gas and spirometry of calves born at term spontaneously or premature calves born by cesarean delivery, during the first 30 days of life; 5. The establishment of neonatal care protocols focusing on complicated pregnancies at risk of premature neonatal death, when 3 cesarean sections of calves conceived by AI and 16 conceived by nuclear transfer of somatic cells (cloning) were monitored, and therefore protocols involving neonatal therapy with sildenafil, surfactant and oxygen therapy were established. Nelore calves born at term spontaneously have their blood gas stabilized in values similar to adult cattle until 48 hours after birth, and present a blood gas profile more similar to the expected for the species, whereas premature calves born from cesarean delivery present values different from normality. The standardization of blood gas of Nelore calves born at term from eutocic deliveries may promote better perinatal survival rates in offspring derived from in vitro production. The treatment with sildenafil does not present adverse effects related to the oxygen levels of calves even when adverse alterations were observed in PAP. Therefore, whenever hypertension is suspected and measurement of PAP is impaired, the sildenafil treatment may be used without major consequences to the patient health (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/19543-9 - Pulmonary function tests to evaluate gas exchanges and pulmonary capacity in pre-term, term and cloned bovine neonate
• Grantee: Paulo Fantinato Neto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate