Learn About Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
Von Willebrand disease is the most common hereditary bleeding disorder.
Bleeding disorder - von Willebrand
Von Willebrand disease is caused by a deficiency or poor functioning of von Willebrand factor. Von Willebrand factor helps blood platelets clump together and stick to the blood vessel wall, which is necessary for normal blood clotting. There are several types of von Willebrand disease.
A family history of a bleeding disorder is the primary risk factor.
Symptoms may include:
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding of the gums
- Bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Skin rash
Note: Most women with heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding do not have von Willebrand disease.
Treatment may include desmopressin (desamino-8-arginine vasopressin or DDAVP). It is a medicine to raise von Willebrand factor level and reduce the chances for bleeding.
However, DDAVP does not work for all types of von Willebrand disease. Tests should be done to determine what type of von Willebrand you have. If you are going to have surgery, your doctor may give you DDAVP before surgery to see if your von Willebrand factor levels increase.
The medicine Alphanate (antihemophilic factor) is approved to decrease bleeding in people with the disease who must have surgery or any other invasive procedure.
Blood plasma or certain factor VIII preparations may also be used to decrease bleeding.
Karin Van Galen practices in Utrecht, Netherlands. Van Galen and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). Her top areas of expertise are Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Blood Clots, Menorrhagia, Hemophilia A, and Intrauterine Device Insertion.
Michael D. Tarantino, M.D. S.C.
Jonathan Roberts is a Pediatrics specialist and a Hematologist in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Roberts and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). His top areas of expertise are Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Blood Clots, Congenital Antithrombin 3 Deficiency, and Hemophilia A. Dr. Roberts is currently accepting new patients.
Giancarlo Castaman practices in Florence, Italy. Castaman and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). His top areas of expertise are Blood Clots, Hemophilia B, Hemophilia A, and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD).
Bleeding may decrease during pregnancy. Women who have this condition usually do not have excessive bleeding during childbirth.
This disease is passed down through families. Genetic counseling may help prospective parents understand the risk for their children.
Bleeding may occur after surgery or when you have a tooth pulled.
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can make this condition worse. Do not take these medicines without first talking to your health care provider.
Contact your provider if bleeding occurs without reason.
If you have von Willebrand disease and are scheduled for surgery or are in an accident, be sure you or your family tell the providers about your condition.
Summary: The VIVID study is structured in a master protocol format comprised of multiple parts that evaluate intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) VGA039 in healthy volunteers and subjects with von Willebrand Disease (VWD) and other bleeding disorders.
Summary: In parallel with the growth of American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network's (ATHN) clinical studies, the number of new therapies for all congenital and acquired hematologic conditions, not just those for bleeding and clotting disorders, is increasing significantly. Some of the recently FDA-approved therapies for congenital and acquired hematologic conditions have yet to demonstrate long-term safet...
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Branchford BR, Flood VH. Von Willebrand disease. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 526.
James P, Rawley O, Bowman M. Structure, biology, and genetics of von Willebrand factor. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 133.
Paola JD, O'Donnell JS. Von Willebrand disease and hemorrhagic abnormalities of platelet and vascular function. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 159.
Samuels P. Hematologic complications of pregnancy. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 49.