Excess factor VIII: a common cause of hypercoagulability.
BACKGROUND
Elevations of coagulation factor VIII have recently been described in significant numbers of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) previously thought to have had an "idiopathic" event. Three patients from a family practice are presented with recurrent VTE and increased factor VIII levels.


METHODS
The case histories and results of laboratory tests were reviewed.


RESULTS
The 3 patients had no other clear coagulopathy. In 2 of the 3, the increase was confirmed with a second reading.


CONCLUSIONS
Factor VIII assay should be considered in the work-up of idiopathic, recurrent VTE. Long-term anticoagulation may be appropriate in this setting.
Bobrow
Robert S
RS
Department of Family Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA. rbobrow@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D000925:Anticoagulants; D015415:Biomarkers; D005169:Factor VIII