Changes in plasma fibronectin levels in burn patients.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Trauma Medicine

Background:

• Plasma fibronectin (FN) is a crucial glycoprotein involved in wound healing and immune response.
• Establishing baseline FN levels in healthy individuals is essential for comparative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma fibronectin levels in healthy individuals and burn patients.
• To assess the correlation between plasma fibronectin levels and burn severity and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Plasma fibronectin was quantified in 180 healthy individuals to establish normal ranges.
• Sequential plasma fibronectin measurements were performed in 24 burn patients with varying Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burns.
• Comparison of FN levels between survivors and non-survivors, and correlation with burn size.

Main Results:

• Mean plasma fibronectin in healthy individuals was 286.94 +/- 51.35 micrograms/ml, with no sex difference.
• Burn patients (30-95% TBSA) showed significantly reduced plasma fibronectin on post-burn days 1 and 2.
• Survivors (n=19) normalized FN levels within 3-6 days, while non-survivors (n=5) exhibited progressive decline.
• Patients with smaller burns (3-25% TBSA) had normal post-burn day 1 FN levels.

Conclusions:

• Plasma fibronectin levels are significantly reduced in patients with severe burn injuries.
• Progressive decline in plasma fibronectin correlates with mortality in burn patients.
• Plasma fibronectin levels may serve as a valuable prognostic indicator for burn patient outcomes.