Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
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 the 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 disease you have. If you are going to have surgery, your surgeon 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.
Classical Hematology
Craig Seaman is a Hematologist practicing medicine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Seaman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Hemophilia A, Blood Clots, and Hemophilic Arthropathy. Dr. Seaman is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Seaman is currently accepting new patients.
Karin Van Galen practices practicing medicine in Utrecht, Netherlands. Ms. Van Galen is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). She is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Blood Clots, Menorrhagia, Hemophilia A, and Intrauterine Device Insertion.
Giancarlo Castaman practices practicing medicine in Florence, Italy. Mr. Castaman is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Blood Clots, Hemophilia B, Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), and Hemophilia A.
Bleeding may decrease during pregnancy. Women who have this condition still have an increased risk for bleeding though they 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.
There is no known way to prevent this disorder.
Summary: In parallel with the growth of ATHN's clinical studies, the number of new therapies for all blood disorders is increasing significantly. Some of the recently FDA-approved therapies for congenital and acquired hematologic conditions have not yet demonstrated long-term safety and effectiveness beyond the pivotal trials that led to their approval. In addition, results from well controlled, pivotal st...
Summary: Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is a frequent laboratory finding that may reflect a broad spectrum of underlying conditions, ranging from benign laboratory abnormalities to clinically relevant hemostatic disorders. Clot waveform analysis (CWA), automatically generated during routine APTT testing by optical coagulation analyzers, provides additional quantitative and qualitati...
Published Date: January 29, 2026
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, 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.
Kiefer M, Samuels P. Hematologic complications of pregnancy. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 49.
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.