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 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.
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 7 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Blood Clots, Menorrhagia, Hemophilia A, and Intrauterine Device Insertion.
C. S. Mott Children's Hospital
Dr. Weyand is a native of Kansas City, Kansas and a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She attended medical school at the University of Michigan, completed her pediatrics residency at the University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital and returned to the University of Michigan for her pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship. Clinically, she is particularly interested in young women and girls with bleeding or clotting disorders and is the co-director of a combined hematology/gynecology program serving this population. Her research interests are in genetic modifiers of hemostasis and thrombosis, women and girls with bleeding disorders, hormone provoked thrombosis, and von Willebrand disease. Dr. Weyand is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). She is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Hemophilia A, Blood Clots, and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Dr. Weyand is board certified in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Pediatrics.
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: 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...
Summary: This is a phase 3 study that will evaluate subcutaneous (SC) VGA039 in patients with von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
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.
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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.
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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.