Effects of contrast media on fibrinogen and factor VIII.

Factor VIII and fibrinogen play an important role in hemostasis and thrombosis because they help bridge functions between platelets, endothelial cells, and the soluble coagulation system. In the present study, we found that the various contrast media examined in concentrations adequate to cause marked anticoagulation did not markedly affect either factor VIII or fibrinogen. These media act predominantly as inhibitors of other fibrinogen functions, not as protein denaturation agents.