Plasma fibronectin and factor XIII in nephrotic syndrome.

When compared to control subjects plasma fibronectin and factor XIII as well as plasma fibrinogen, factor VIII-related antigen and serum cholinesterase were found to be significantly increased in nephrotic patients. Factor XIII activity was positively correlated with serum cholinesterase, while plasma fibronectin displayed weak correlations with plasma fibrinogen and factor VIII-related antigen. It is considered that increased levels of factor XIII and fibronectin should be related to the intensity of the liver's compensative response to proteinuria, although their turnover rates and the signals triggering this response may differ. It is however difficult to assess possible consequences of the above-mentioned changes for the evolution of the nephrotic syndrome.