Altered Factor VIII in Acute Respiratory Failure

Abstract

Acute respiratory failure is characterized by pulmonary vascular injury and increased endothelial permeability. Since endothelial cells synthesize or release factor VIII, we studied factor VIII: antigen, factor VIII:von Willebrand's factor, and factor VIII:coagulant activity in 100 patients with acute respiratory failure, in 29 critically ill patients without evidence of lung disease, and in 60 normal subjects.