Antithrombin, prekallikrein, and fibronectin levels in surgical patients
R. F. Wilson, E. F. Mammen, M. C. Robson, J. P. Heggers, G. Soullier and P. A. DePoli
Antithrombin (AT), prekallikrein (PK), and fibronectin (FN) levels were
measured in the plasma of 290 patients. The mean (+/- SD) lowest AT level
measured in 287 patients was 70% +/- 18% (normal, 75% to 120% of control).
The mean lowest AT level in 81 septic patients (49% +/- 17%) was
significantly lower than in the 206 patients without sepsis (78% +/- 22%).
The mean AT level in 60 patients who died (42% +/- 22%) was significantly
lower than in 227 patients who lived (78% +/- 19%). The mean lowest PK
level measured in 71 patients was 42% +/- 17% (normal, 80% to 120%). The
mean PK level in 32 septic patients (26% +/- 12%) was significantly lower
than in 39 patients who were not septic (54% +/- 19%). The mean lowest FN
level measured in 45 patients was 193 +/- 86 micrograms/mL (normal, 160 to
240 micrograms/mL). The mean FN level in 15 septic patients (128 +/- 72
micrograms/mL) was significantly lower than in the 30 nonseptic patients
(266 +/- 84 micrograms/mL). Following AT, PK, and FN levels in critically
ill surgical patients may allow earlier diagnosis and more effective
treatment of sepsis.
