[Plasma concentrations of fibronectin in septic, hypovolemic, and cardiogenic shock. Prognostic usefulness of their variation].

BACKGROUND

Fibronectin is a protein with opsonic capacity. Its plasma level is diminished in septic shock. The aim of the present was to study its behavior in other types of shock.

METHODS

A prospective study of 60 patients in shock (septic, hypovolemic and cardiogenic) was carried out. Serial plasma levels of fibronectin were determined in these patients over a period of 72 hours. The values of the cases which evolved favorably were compared with the values of those which did not.

RESULTS

In all the cases, the plasma levels of fibronectin were diminished within a minimum of approximately 12 hours with a tendency to recovery of initial values being observed within 72 hours, except in cases in which the evolution of the patient was poor. In these cases fibronectin values remained diminished in such statistical significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma levels of fibronectin behave similarly in the three types of shock studied (septic, hypovolemic and cardiogenic). Serial determination of fibronectin provides a good prognostic index in patients with shock.