Low fibronectin in portal hypertension.

We have measured plasma fibronectin in 28 patients with well-compensated chronic liver disease, 4 patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and 6 patients who have undergone shunt surgery for the relief of portal hypertension and splenectomy. 17 patients with portal hypertension had significantly lower levels of fibronectin (207 +/- 54; mean +/- SD) compared with 15 patients without portal hypertension (315 +/- 75, p less than 0.001) and the 6 patients who had undergone shunting and splenectomy (330 +/- 66, p less than 0.001). We suggest that in patients with portal hypertension and splenomegaly, low levels of fibronectin might result from increased consumption by the enlarged spleen.