Fibronectin (a glycoprotein which modulates inflammation) may decrease mortality in systemic infection. Children with meningococcal disease (MCD) may have low fibronectin levels. We aimed to compare plasma fibronectin levels in children with MCD and controls, correlate fibronectin levels with interleukin-6 (IL-6), shock and death, and assess fibronectin as an aid to early diagnosis in MCD. Samples were taken on admission from 99 children with MCD and 49 controls. Plasma fibronectin was measured using a turbidimetric immunoassay. Plasma fibronectin was significantly lower in MCD compared to controls (57 micrograms/ml vs 105 micrograms/ml; P < 0.005). Children who died had significantly lower levels than survivors (29 micrograms/ml vs 62 micrograms/ml; P = 0.01). Fibronectin levels were negatively correlated with IL-6 levels. Fibronectin was a poor predictor of MCD.
Conclusion: Plasma fibronectin levels are decreased in children with MCD, especially in shock and death. This decrease is associated with high IL-6 levels. Fibronectin could be a novel therapy in severe MCD.