Drug intoxication: influence of hemoperfusion on human plasma fibronectin

Fibronectin is a glycoprotein belonging to the opsonic system and able to mediate phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Severe intoxications are often followed by a diminished capacity of RES-clearance. Patients with severe drug intoxications have lower concentrations of fibronectin in plasma than healthy persons. Charcoal hemoperfusion lowers plasma fibronectin by an average of 4.7 mg/dl. Initial values below 15 mg/dl did not undergo a significant decrease in the case of hemoperfusion. Regarding these findings, determination of plasma fibronectin seems a useful parameter for monitoring RES function during treatment of drug-intoxicated patients by hemoperfusion.