Changes in plasma fibronectin in children after elective repair of congenital heart defects.

Plasma fibronectin is an attachment protein important for maintaining capillary integrity and host defense mechanisms. Depletion of plasma fibronectin has been shown to occur in adults after septic shock, major trauma, and burns. Limited laboratory and clinical studies suggest a correlation between decreased plasma fibronectin levels and increased pulmonary capillary permeability and tissue perfusion. Mild and transient plasma fibronectin depletion has been observes in adults after cardiovascular operations