[Value of plasma fibronectin in pediatric intensive care].

This work was undertaken to demonstrate the pathophysiologic and prognostic value of plasma fibronectin measurement in critically ill children. Fibronectin was measured by laser-nephelometry in 25 children (group 1) whose ages ranged from 1 month to 12 years (mean: 13.8 months). All presented with severe infections. The control group consisted of 16 children with various benign disorders, whose ages ranged from 3 months to 13 years (mean: 3.6 years). Fibronectin plasma levels in group 1 (mean: 0.16 g/l +/- 0.08) and in the control group (mean: 0.28 +/- 0.10) were significantly different (alpha less than 0.001). The initial concentration and the kinetics of this protein during evolution seem to have a good diagnostic and prognostic value in severe infections in children.