Plasma fibronectin in acute leukaemia

Abstract

In acute leukaemia, low plasma fibronectin was seen at diagnosis and when the disease relapsed. This was not directly related to tumour load, chemotherapy or neutropenia, but correlated well with episodes of intercurrent infection. In severe infections, fibronectin fell rapidly to very low levels, and was sometimes not restored to normal up to 2 weeks later. Preliminary attempts at replacement therapy were successful and the possible importance of this is discussed.