Significance of increased factor VIII in early glomerulonephritis.

One hundred sixteen patients with early glomerulonephritis had factor VIII without impairment of renal function. They also had other coagulation and fibrinolytic components and acute phase reactants. The patients were followed for up to 4 years with respect to both coagulation pattern and renal function. Patients who made a complete recovery during follow-up had normal initial factor VIII levels, while those who developed persistent renal damage had high factor VIII levels. The other coagulation factors and the acute phase reactants were of no prognostic significance. Factor VIII has been shown to be synthesized in the vessel intima. The initial factor VIII level in early glomerulonephritis may reflect the degree of vascular affection of the glomeruli. The high factor VIII levels may be of significance for the development of fibrin deposits in glomeruli.