VON-WILLEBRAND-FACTOR IN PATIENTS EVOLVING Q-WAVE VERSUS NON-Q-WAVE ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION

We assessed the changes in plasma von Willebrand factor level concentr ation in 10 patients with Q-myocardial infarction and in six patients with non-Q-myocardial infarction who did not receive thrombolytic trea tment. Concentrations of von Willebrand factor antigen were measured b y an enzyme linked immunoassay method in plasma samples obtained twice daily for 4 consecutive days. In patients with Q-wave myocardial infa rction, a significant rise in von Willebrand factor antigen levels (P< 0.05) occurred after admission and persisted for 3 days. No significan t changes were found in plasma concentration of fibrinogen. In conclus ion, von Willebrand factor antigen levels were greater in patients wit h Q-wave compared to patients with non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.