The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice 18:147-149 (2005)
© 2005 American Board of Family Practice
Excess Factor VIII: A Common Cause of Hypercoagulability
Robert S. Bobrow, MD
From the Department of Family Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Correspondence: Address correspondence to Robert S. Bobrow, 20 Pinewood Dr., Commack, NY 11725 (e-mail: rbobrow{at}notes.cc.sunysb.edu)
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Abstract
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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.
Method: 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.
Received for publication October 4, 2004. Revision received October 4, 2004.
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18(4):
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Rapid Responses:
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