[Von Willebrand factor in plasma of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus].

The plasma levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) were evaluated for groups of 31 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 34 patients with lupus erythematosus. The control group consisted of 34 healthy volunteers. In both groups the levels of vWf:Ag were increased to 243% and 240% respectively. The levels of vWf:Ag were also analysed statistically for the correlation with age of patients, time of the duration of disease and fibrinogen levels. No correlations were found. Obtained results suggest that measurements of vWf:Ag concentrations may be useful as potential marker of endothelial injury.