Von Willebrand's Disease

Topic Overview

What is von Willebrand's disease?

Von Willebrand's disease is a bleeding disorder in which a protein in your body's blood system is missing or does not work well. The protein is called von Willebrand factor. If the von Willebrand factor is working properly, it helps your blood clot. Clotting stops the bleeding when you are cut or injured.

The von Willebrand factor usually carries another blood-clotting protein called factor VIII. If you have von Willebrand's disease, the two proteins may not attach properly to each other. Your blood will not clot as well as it should.

There are three major types of the disease:

• Type 1: A shortage of von Willebrand factor (mild to moderate). This type of von Willebrand's disease can result in mild to moderate bleeding episodes, depending on how much von Willebrand factor is missing. About 3 out of 4 people with von Willebrand's disease are type 1.¹ Some people with type 1 disease do not need treatment and may not be aware that they have a blood disorder.
• Type 2: A flawed von Willebrand factor (usually mild). Although the body produces normal amounts of the von Willebrand factor, it doesn't work properly. Type 2 is further classified (such as 2a or 2b) depending on the type of flaw.
• Type 3: A complete lack of von Willebrand factor (more severe). Type 3 von Willebrand's disease is very rare. When the body does not produce von Willebrand factor, the cells (platelets) needed to form a clot do not work properly and clotting factor VIII levels are low, both of which can lead to severe bleeding. People with type 3 disease are in more danger of anemia and excessive bleeding after an accident or during surgery.

What causes von Willebrand's disease?

Von Willebrand's disease usually is passed down through families. It is the most common bleeding disorder present at birth (congenital), but most cases are mild. About 1% of people may inherit this disease. Men and women are equally likely to have von Willebrand's disease.

What are the symptoms?

Excessive bleeding is the main symptom of von Willebrand's disease. The severity of the condition varies from person to person, even within the same family. Many women with von Willebrand's disease have very heavy menstrual bleeding. Other symptoms include frequent nosebleeds and heavy bleeding after injury or surgery.

Von Willebrand's disease causes symptoms similar to the bleeding disorder hemophilia.

How is von Willebrand's disease diagnosed?

Von Willebrand's disease can be hard to diagnose. If you have symptoms that suggest a blood clotting disorder, your doctor will ask about your medical history, especially about episodes of excessive bleeding. Tests that can help with the diagnosis include:

• Blood tests that measure bleeding time, von Willebrand factor activity levels, or von Willebrand factor antigen.
• Genetic testing that shows a defect in your von Willebrand factor.

How is it treated?

If you have a mild type of von Willebrand's disease, you may only need home treatment like not using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin.

But if you have a more severe type of von Willebrand's disease, you probably will need to prevent and treat bleeding episodes throughout your life. The course of von Willebrand's disease is difficult to predict because it may stay at the same level of activity or get better or worse as you get older.

Treatment may include:

• Desmopressin medicine, to help increase the production of von Willebrand factor.
• Replacing the clotting factor in your blood.
• Medicine that helps prevent the breakdown of blood clots (antifibrinolytic agents).
• Hormone therapy for women, to control heavy menstrual periods.
• Topical medicine to control bleeding (thrombin powder).
• Avoiding medicines, such as aspirin, that can affect bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about von Willebrand's disease:	What is von Willebrand's disease? What causes von Willebrand's disease? What are the symptoms of von Willebrand's disease?
Being diagnosed:	How is von Willebrand's disease diagnosed?
Getting treatment:	How is von Willebrand's disease treated? Are there steps I can take at home to treat von Willebrand's disease?

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: November 24, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
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