Early Increase of von Willebrand Factor Predicts Adverse Outcome in Unstable Coronary Artery Disease

In patients with unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, the acute-phase proteins increase over the first 2 days despite medical treatment. The early rise of von Willebrand factor is an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcome at 14 days and at 30 days. Enoxaparin provides protection as evidenced by the reduced release of von Willebrand factor, which represents a favorable prognostic finding.