Abstract
Measurement of fibronectin, a matrix protein that enhances adherence and killing of pathogens, has been shown to be predictive of poor outcome in respiratory distress states such as adult respiratory distress syndrome, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Our report examines for the first time fibronectin levels in nasal lavage fluid obtained from atopic and nonatopic subjects. Levels of fibronectin were up to ten times higher in atopic patients compared with the nonatopic patients. Correction with albumin for thickness or viscosity of secretion suggests no significant difference between the two groups. Future studies are required to determine the significance of these findings.
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