Fibronectin levels in stressed and septic patients fed with total parenteral nutrition

Plasma fibronectin concentrations were measured in healthy persons as well as in septic and stressed patients. A decrease in plasma fibronectin concentration was shown in volunteers receiving a low energy (600 kcal), amino acids- and lipid-deficient diet. Increased fibronectin levels were measured in stressed and septic patients, not receiving enteral nutrition, after adequate total parenteral nutrition (TPN during 1 week). It is concluded that total parenteral nutrition facilitates improved fibronectin synthesis in stressed and septic patients. Total parenteral nutrition containing an amino acid mixture rich in branched amino acids (50.2% BCAA) is not superior to TPN containing a standard amino acid mixture (15.6% BCAA) in this respect.