We have measured plasma fibronectin in 28 patients with well-compensated chronic liver disease, 4 patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and 6 patients who have undergone shunt surgery for the relief of portal hypertension and splenectomy. 17 patients with portal hypertension had significantly lower levels of fibronectin (207 ± 54; mean ± SD) compared with 15 patients without portal hypertension (315 ± 75, p < 0.001) and the 6 patients who had undergone shunting and splenectomy (330 ± 66, p < 0.001). We suggest that in patients with portal hypertension and splenomegaly, low levels of fibronectin might result from increased consumption by the enlarged spleen.

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