Comparison of serum fibronectin, prealbumin, and albumin concentrations during nutritional repletion in protein-calorie malnourished infants.

Anthropometric measurements and serum fibronectin, prealbumin, and albumin concentrations were determined on admission and during the hospitalization of 20 noninfected infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. Serum fibronectin concentrations were significantly decreased on admission but increased to greater than normal serum values in 2 weeks. During this same interval, serum prealbumin values rose from significantly decreased to normal levels. Serum albumin concentrations and anthropometric measurements were not significantly elevated above admission levels until the fourth week of nutritional support. Serum fibronectin and prealbumin concentrations may serve as indices of the short-term efficacy of nutritional support in noninfected infants with protein-calorie malnutrition.