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:
Note: Most women with heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding do not have von Willebrand disease.
Treatment may include DDAVP (desamino-8-arginine vasopressin). 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 drug 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.
Margaret Ragni is a Hematologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ragni has been practicing medicine for over 48 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). She is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Blood Clots, Hemophilia A, Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Hemophilia B, and Knee Replacement. She is licensed to treat patients in Pennsylvania.
Giancarlo Castaman practices in Florence, Italy. Castaman is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Blood Clots, Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Hemophilia A, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Hip Replacement.
Flora Peyvandi practices in Milano, Italy. Peyvandi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Von Willebrand Disease (VWD). She is also highly rated in 44 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Blood Clots, Hemophilia A, Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Synovectomy, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
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: 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...
Summary: The main aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylaxis with 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 rVWF for 12 months. During the study, participants will visit the study clinic 6...
Published Date: January 25, 2022
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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