Elevation of Factor VIII (Antihemophilic Factor) during Pregnancy in Normal Persons and in a Patient with von Willebrand's Disease

Abstract

DURING pregnancy increased blood levels of fibrinogen,1 , 2 factor VII (SPCA, proconvertin) and factor X (Stuart–Prower factor),3 4 5 6 as well as increased platelet adhesiveness,7 have been observed. This has been linked with a hypercoagulable state existing during pregnancy. It has been stated that factor VIII (antihemophilic factor) levels were not altered during this period.6 , 8 Recent experience in our laboratory, however, has demonstrated significant elevations of factor VIII levels gradually taking place during the course of pregnancy in all subjects thus far studied. Of interest in this connection is a recent report describing elevations of factor VII and VIII in women under hormonal . . .