PEDIATRICS Vol. 72 No. 6 December 1983, pp. 877-881
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Decreased Plasma Fibronectin in Neonatal Sepsis

Jeffrey S. Gerdes MD1, Mervin C. Yoder MD1, Steven D. Douglas MD1, and Richard A. Polin MD1

1 From the Division of Neonatology and Allergy-Immunology-Pulmonology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Joseph Stokes, Jr, Research Institute, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia

Fibronectin is a large opsonic glycoprotein which promotes reticuloendothelial system clearance of bacteria, immune complexes, collagenous debris, and damaged platelets. The concentration of plasma fibronectin is decreased in the newborn infant; however, the role of fibronectin in the onset and course of neonatal sepsis is unknown. Serial plasma fibronectin levels were determined in 19 neonates with documented bacterial sepsis. Plasma fibronectin concentrations decreased significantly (P<.001) in all study infants concurrent with the development of septicemia. Recovery of plasma fibronectin to normal levels occurred by day 5 in premature neonates and by days 7 to 10 in term neonates. Fibronectin deficiency and resultant reticuloendothelial system impairment may decrease the ability of newborn infants to resist or clear bacterial infections. An acute reduction in the concentration of plasma fibronectin may be a valuable marker for neonatal sepsis.

Key Words: fibronectin • sepsis • reticuloendothelial system

Submitted on June 23, 1983
Accepted on August 25, 1983