Postcesarean section plasma fibronectin levels

Decreases in plasma fibronectin levels following surgery and subsequent to trauma and sepsis have been previously reported. There have been no reports, however, regarding plasma fibronectin levels following cesarean section. Plasma fibronectin levels were followed for 3 days postpartum in 49 patients including cesarean section control patients, patients with cephalopelvic disproportion, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and endometritis. Cesarean section and cephalopelvic disproportion were not associated with a change in postpartum fibronectin levels. Pregnancy-induced hypertension and endometritis did show a significant increase (p < 0.05) in plasma fibronectin levels. These levels are probably not decreased because of the large fibronectin pool in these otherwise healthy women.