Serum fibronectin in neonatal sepsis: is it valuable in early diagnosis and outcome prediction?

The value of the serum fibronectin level in early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and as a prognostic indicator was investigated. The serum fibronectin levels and Töllner's sepsis scores of 45 neonates who were hospitalized for the suspicion of infection and of 20 healthy neonates as controls were evaluated. Depending on the findings it was concluded that serum fibronectin level varies according to the gestational age, and that the serum fibronectin level is a useful acute phase reactant in the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. It can also be used as a prognostic indicator in neonatal sepsis.