Coagulation factors, inflammation markers, and venous thromboembolism: the longitudinal investigation of thromboembolism etiology (LITE).

PURPOSE: We sought to assess prospectively whether higher levels of blood coagulation factors and inflammation markers are risk factors for venous thromboembolism.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In two pooled population-based cohort studies, we measured levels of factor VII, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein, and white blood cell count, in samples obtained from 19,237 adults with no baseline history of venous thromboembolism, cancer, or warfarin use. The endpoint was validated venous thromboembolism during follow-up (median, 7.8 years).

RESULTS: A total of 159 venous thromboembolism events occurred. Factor VIII and von Willebrand factor were linearly associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (P for trend

CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study, elevated factor VIII and von Willebrand factor levels were common, independent, and dose-dependent risk factors for venous thromboembolism, and an elevated factor VII level was a possible risk factor. Venous thromboembolism, unlike arterial disease, was not related to inflammatory markers.