Use of Certain Cardiac Biomarkers in Neonatal Calves With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by heightened respiratory effort, impaires oxygen exchange, and consequent hypoxia, is a leading cause of mortality in calves. Hypoxia associated with respiratory distress compromises cellular oxygen delivery and reduces tissue perfusion, thereby adversely affecting cardiac function. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate cardiac injury and the compressive stress load induced by hypoxia in neonatal calves with ARDS, thereby offering insights into potential management strategies. Methods: Out of 68 neonatal calves presented to the animal hospital for diagnosis, treatment, or routine examination, 25 were included in this study (15 in the ARDS group, 10 in the healthy group). After clinical examinations, arterial blood samples were collected from all animals for ARDS diagnosis. In contrast, venous blood samples were obtained for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements. Results: Results indicated that arterial pH, partial pressure of oxygen, and oxygen saturation levels in calves with ARDS were significantly lower compared to healthy ones, whereas