High factor VIII as a risk factor for venous thrombosis

Several studies have shown that increased concentrations of factor VIII are associated with thrombophilia. It has been also shown that this is not an acute phase response pattern, and that these individuals have increased factor VIII concentrations due to genetic and environmental causes. Part of the thrombophilic pattern might be related to an acquired Activated Protein C resistance condition. Since individuals with venous thromboembolism and increased factor VIII concentrations present a high recurrence rate, the determination of factor VIII concentrations should be included in the laboratory thrombophilia screening work-up.