title: Excess factor VIII: a common cause of hypercoagulability.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA. rbobrow@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
authors.forename: Robert S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Bobrow
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D015415:Biomarkers; D005169:Factor VIII