[Determination of plasma fibronectin in myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative diseases and other malignancies]

Abstract

Plasma fibronectin concentration was determined by electroimmunodiffusion and laser nephelometry in 40 healthy persons and 321 patients with myelo- and lymphoproliferative diseases and other malignancies. Decreased fibronectin concentrations were found in patients with leukemia, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, myelofibrosis, polycythaemia rubra vera and angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. Elevated fibronectin level was detected in patients with multiple myeloma. In patients with cancer of the lung, stomach and colon, fibronectin level was found in the normal range. Decreased fibronectin concentration was observed in patients with cancer of the breast and prostate. Lower plasma fibronectin concentrations were detected in all groups of patients with infectious septical complications as compared to the patients without infections.