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 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Seaman 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), Hemophilia A, Blood Clots, and Hemophilic Arthropathy. Dr. Seaman is currently accepting new patients.
Karin Van Galen practices in Utrecht, Netherlands. Ms. Van Galen 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.
The Bleeding And Clotting Disorders Institute
Jonathan Roberts is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology provider in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Roberts 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, Hemophilia A, and Acquired Hemophilia.
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 main aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylaxis with vonicog alfa (recombinant von Willebrand factor \[rVWF\]) in children. This study will enroll those participants who have been previously treated with VWF product or with a plasma-derived VWF (pdVWF) product. In this study, participants will be treated with vonicog alfa (rVWF) for 12 months. During the study, participan...
Summary: This non-interventional study (NIS) is designed to collect information on the effectiveness and safety of treatment received in routine clinical care, as well as measure the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of participants with Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) receiving prophylactic therapy per local standard of care (SOC) over an observation period of at least 24 weeks.
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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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.