Randomised clinical non-inferiority trial comparing two formulations of desoxycortone pivalate for the treatment of canine primary hypoadrenocorticism

The standards of reporting trials in pets (PetSORT): Explanation and elaboration

Well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the best evidence of the primary research designs for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. However, if RCTs are incompletely reported, the methodological rigor with which they were conducted cannot be reliably evaluated and it may not be possible to replicate the intervention. Missing information also may limit the reader's ability to evaluate the external validity of a trial. Reporting guidelines are available for clinical trials in human healthcare (CONSORT), livestock populations (REFLECT), and preclinical experimental research involving animals (ARRIVE 2.0). The PetSORT guidelines complement these existing guidelines, providing recommendations for reporting controlled trials in pet dogs and cats. The rationale and scientific background are explained for each of the 25 items in the PetSORT reporting recommendations checklist, with examples from well-reported trials.

Use of Deoxycorticosterone Pivalate by Veterinarians: A Western European Survey

This study aims to gather knowledge about the use of deoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) by Western European Veterinarians (WEV) in dogs with typical hypoadrenocorticism. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey, translated into four languages and disseminated to veterinary affiliates and mailing lists in six countries of Western Continental Europe. Respondents were tasked to share their therapeutic approach to hypoadrenocorticism, whether they preferred DOCP or fludrocortisone and the specific practical use of DOCP. One-hundred and eighty-four responses were included. Of these, 79.9% indicated that they preferred prescribing DOCP over fludrocortisone as a first-line treatment for mineralocorticoid supplementation. A total of 154 respondents had used DOCP at least once. Eighty percent of those who reported their initial dosage prescribed 2.2 mg/kg. After starting DOCP, 68.2% of the respondents assess electrolytes 10 and 25 days after administration following manufacturer instructions. In stable dogs, electrolytes are monitored quarterly, monthly, semi-annually, and annually by 44.2%, 34.4%, 16.9%, and 4.6% of respondents respectively. When treatment adjustment is required, 53% prefer to reduce dosage while 47% increase the interval between doses. Overall, DOCP is the preferred mineralocorticoid supplementation among WEV. Reported variability underlies the need to investigate the best strategies for DOCP use and therapeutic adjustments.

Low-dose desoxycorticosterone pivalate treatment of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) is a commonly used mineralocorticoid replacement for dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism (HA), but manufacturer‐recommended dosing protocols can be cost‐prohibitive. Recent reports also have raised concerns that label dose protocols could be excessive.

Objective

To investigate the relative efficacy and adverse effects of 2 DOCP dosages in dogs with primary glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficient HA.

Animals

Thirty‐seven dogs, including 19 test population dogs and 18 controls.

Methods

Randomized controlled double‐blinded clinical trial. Dogs with newly diagnosed primary HA were assigned to standard (2.2 mg/kg q30d, control population) or low‐dose (1.1 mg/kg q30d, test population) DOCP treatment. Clinical and laboratory variables were assessed 10 to 14 days and approximately 30 days after each DOCP treatment for 90 days.

Results

Mean serum sodium to potassium ratios at reevaluations were ≥32 in both populations throughout the study. No dog developed electrolyte abnormalities warranting medical treatment, although hypokalemia occurred on at least 1 occasion in 9 controls and 6 test population dogs. Urine specific gravities (median, interquartile range) were lower in control dogs (1.022, 1.016‐1.029) as compared to test population dogs (1.033, 1.023‐1.039; P = .006). Plasma renin activity was overly suppressed on 84 of 104 (80.8%) assessments in control dogs whereas increased renin activity occurred on 23 of 112 (20.5%) assessments in test population dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Low‐dose DOCP protocols appear to be safe and effective for treatment of HA in most dogs. Standard‐dose protocols are more likely to result in biochemical evidence of overtreatment.