Fibronectin levels in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Vascular endothelial damage is reported to be the prime cause of preeclampsia, and elevated levels of fibronectin have been found before clinical signs of preeclampsia were manifested. The total plasma fibronectin concentrations in 212 blood samples from 173 normotensive healthy pregnant women at various gestational ages were measured. Fibronectin levels were also determined for 20 blood samples from 20 preeclamptic patients obtained at the time of clinical manifestation of preeclampsia. Blood samples from 46 non pregnant women of reproductive age were used as controls. The results showed that the total plasma fibronectin concentration during reproductive age was independent of age and the average level during pregnancy decreased with gestational age. Preeclamptic patients had a significantly elevated level of total fibronectin compared with healthy pregnant women. The total fibronectin concentration is a promising biochemical marker for preeclampsia, but a more specific endothelial method of measurement is needed before it is put to clinical use.