The response of plasma fibronectin to acute myocardial infarction in humans.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the plasma fibronectin response to complicated and uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction. All patients admitted to a Coronary Care Unit over a six-month period were prospectively assessed by measuring admission and daily plasma fibronectin levels using an electroimmunoassay. Of 166 patients admitted to the Unit, 66 were diagnosed as having an acute myocardial infarction. Plasma fibronectin levels were significantly lower 48 h after the onset of symptoms in 15 patients with a complicated acute myocardial infarction, compared to fibronectin levels in patients with an uncomplicated course; patients who had received intracoronary streptokinase had consistently higher plasma fibronectin levels than those seen in patients who did not receive this thrombolytic agent. This hepatocyte-derived plasma protein not only has diagnostic potential, but alterations in its levels may also provide insight into the systemic response to acute myocardial injury.