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The possibility that high factor VIII (FVIII) levels in thrombosis patients is principally explained by a gain of function in the FVIII‐binding domain of von Willebrand factor (VWF), arising from amino acid substitution(s) or polymorphism(s), was investigated. Exons 18–24 of the VWF gene were sequenced in 13 thrombosis patients with high FVIII (> 1·50 IU/ml). No novel mutations were found. Four known polymorphisms were detected: G2615A and C2635T (Ex18), G2805A (Ex20) and G3130A (Ex22). Their frequencies showed no significant differences in a thrombosis vs. control cohort. The data suggest that amino acid substitutions/polymorphisms in the VWF‐FVIII‐binding domain are not the principal explanation for high FVIII in thrombosis patients.

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are the result of abnormal processes in scar formation. This paper reviews the literature and the many debates concerning the processes that cause abnormal scarring.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency stated in 2003 that doctors should endeavour to avoid using products in treatments not covered by their product licence. Foley catheters are commonly used in the management of epistaxis although their product licence does not cover this. We undertook a questionnaire survey of members of the British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists--Head & Neck Surgeons to study the extent of the use of these catheters and the knowledge that members had of their legal status. Most members appear to use Foley catheters in the management of epistaxis; however, many are not aware that the product is not licensed for this purpose. Because of this lack of knowledge, only half obtain verbal consent for treatment with this device and only a very small number obtain written consent from patients. In the era of increasing litigation, documentation of informed consent could be considered mandatory to protect us from possible legal action, and this needs to be known by all practising otolaryngologists.