PLASMA FIBRONECTIN LEVELS IN PEDIATRIC-PA TIENTS

Objective. To determine the levels of plasma fibronectin (FBN) in pedi atric patients and to correlate them with serum albumin (ALE). Methodo logy. The FBN was measured by nephelometry and ALE by enzymatic analys is in samples from 95 healthy Mexican pediatric patients seen in the a mbulatory surgery department. Results. The levels of FBN was similar i n boy and girls (mean +/- SD) 273 +/- 90 and 268 +/- 106 mu g/mL respe ctively. FBN was significantly lower in children less than 6 months ol d. We found seven patients with ALB < 3.0 g/dL who had significantly l ower values of FBN than the normoalbuminemic patients. The correlation of FBN and ALE was low (r = 0.23). Conclusions. FBN in pediatric pati ents is significatively lower than in adults. The lowest concentration s were seen in children less than 6 months old. These lower FBN may be an additional factor for immunodeficiency in this group at risk.