Plasma levels of fibronectin and prostacyclin metabolite in peripartum preeclamptic women.

Plasma fibronectin and prostacyclin levels have been reported to vary in preeclamptic women when compared with pregnant control women. Elevation of fibronectin and deficiency of prostacyclin have been postulated to be due to endothelial cell disruption or dysfunction. Eighteen preeclamptic women and 19 normal pregnant controls were evaluated for plasma levels of fibronectin and the prostacyclin metabolite 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha). 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and fibronectin plasma levels in patients were significantly different from control patients, with preeclamptic patients exceeding control subjects. Five patients had serial samples of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha prior to, during, and after intravenous magnesium sulfate therapy and no consistent effect was noted. No correlation existed between fibronectin and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels or between either compound and platelet count or liver function tests. Despite an overall elevation of fibronectin in preeclamptic patients, two patients with the hemolysis, elevated liver tests, and low platelet count syndrome showed low normal fibronectin levels coinciding with thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, and liver dysfunction. The magnitude of fibronectin elevation may therefore not predict the severity of preeclampsia. The significance of these findings is discussed.