Blood Biomarkers Could Transform Diagnosis of Sick Newborn Foals

Researchers at North Carolina State University have identified blood-based biomarkers that could improve diagnosis of neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS) in newborn foals. The condition can appear quickly after birth—ranging from absent nursing reflexes to seizures and coma—making it hard to distinguish from other neonatal problems such as sepsis. In a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the team compared serum concentrations of neuroproteins and neurosteroids among healthy foals, foals with NMS, and foals hospitalized for other illnesses. The findings suggest molecules already used in human neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and neonatal encephalopathy, may also help in horses. The work was led by associate professor Katarzyna Dembek, who said clinicians currently rely mainly on observation.