Plasma fibronectin in severe infectious purpura of children.

ABSTRACT

Plasma fibronectin levels were determined in 34 children admitted with severe infectious purpura. Fibronectin concentration was decreased in severe infectious purpura as in other sepsis, but there was no significant difference between shock and nonshock patients. Fibronectin levels were lower in children with ecchymotic or necrotic purpura on admission than in those with petechial purpura; they were lower in those who developed cutaneous sequelae, but it is not known if correction of fibronectin deficiency may limit the extent of purpura and prevent the cutaneous sequelae.