Outcome of surgery for obstructive jaundice is not associated with reduced levels of plasma fibronectin

Reduced levels of plasma fibronectin have been implicated in the septicaemia and/or endotoxaemia that can accompany trauma or burns. Patients undergoing surgery for the relief of obstructive jaundice are also at risk of developing endotoxaemia or septicaemia. In this study, levels of plasma fibronectin were measured by immunoassay and bioassay in 16 such patients. No patient had a significantly reduced level of plasma fibronectin. Even in the case of patients developing a fatal septicaemia and general system failure there was no significant decrease in circulating fibronectin. It is concluded that measurement of plasma fibronectin is of no prognostic value and similarly infusion of fibronectin-rich cryoprecipitate would be of no therapeutic benefit.