von Willebrand Disease

von Willebrand disease can often be traced through several generations in a family. Some have symptoms, while others just carry the gene. Most people with vWD inherit only one gene with the vWD defect. They have one of the milder forms of the disordereither type 1 or type 2. This means they have some blood clotting ability. The small percentage of people who inherit two defective genestype 3 vWDhave little clotting ability and experience severe bleeding episodes.Types 1 and 2 are usually inherited in what is known as a "dominant" pattern.A man or woman with the disease has a 50% chance of passing the gene to his or her child. This means that if even one parent has the gene and passes it to a child, the child gets the disease. Whether the child has no symptoms, mild symptoms, or, less commonly, severe symptoms, he or she definitely has the disease. Regardless of severity of the symptoms, the child can still pass the gene to his or her own offspring.Type 3 von Willebrand disease, however, is usually inherited in a "recessive" pattern. This type occurs when the child inherits the gene from both parents. Even if both parents have mild or asymptomatic disease, their children are likely to be severely affected. Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The only risk factor for vWD is having family members with this disease.

Symptoms Many people with the vWD gene have very mild symptoms or none at all. When symptoms do occur, the severity varies from person-to-person. Many people only notice symptoms after taking aspirin or similar medications that interfere with clotting. Symptoms usually begin in childhood and fluctuate throughout life. Common symptoms include: Easy bruising Frequent or prolonged nosebleedsProlonged bleeding from the gums and minor cutsHeavy or prolonged bleeding during menstrual periodsBleeding in the digestive systemProlonged bleeding after injury, childbirth, surgery, or invasive dental procedures Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Blood tests may be done to check the following: Bleeding timeIn vWD it will be prolonged, particularly after the administration of aspirin.Factor VIII antigenThis indirectly measures levels of vWF in your blood; in vWD, it will be reduced.Ristocetin cofactor activityThis shows how well your vWF works; in vWD, it will be decreased.von Willebrand factor multimerThis examines the different structural types of vWF in the blood; in vWD, it will be reduced. TreatmentMany people with vWD do not need treatment. If you do, your treatment will depend on the type and severity of your vWD. In many cases, treatment is only necessary if you are having a surgical or dental procedure that is likely to cause bleeding.

Treatment may include: Desmopressin This medicine usually controls bleeding in mild cases of type I vWD by raising the level of vWF in the blood. It can be taken as: Nasal spray (Stimate)Injection (DDAVP) Intravenous infusions to control your bleedingThese infusions are concentrates that contain: Factor VIIIvon Willebrand FactorBirth control pillsThis medication may be used to control heavy menstrual periods in women with type 1 vWD. Antifibrinolytic medicine (often Amicar )This can be used for bleeding in the nose or mouth. It helps keep a clot that has already formed from being dissolved. PreventionThere are no guidelines for preventing vWD.Genetic counseling can be helpful to review a detailed family history and discuss risks and tests available for von Willebrand disease. RESOURCES: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutehttp://www.nhlbi.nih.gov National Hemophilia Foundationhttp://www.hemophilia.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Health Canadahttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html Network of Rare Blood Disorders Organizationshttp://www.hemophilia.ca/nrbdo/en/public_affairs.php References: Bleeding disorders. MedlinePlus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bleedingdisorders.html . Accessed October 7, 2005.

Bleeding disorders. MedlinePlus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bleedingdisorders.html . Accessed October 30, 2006. Longe JL, Blanchfield DS. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine . 2nd ed. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Research Company; 2001. Longe JL, Blanchfield DS. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine . 3rd ed. Stamford, CT: Thomson Gale; 2006. Von Willebrand disease. National Hemophilia Foundation website. Available at: http://www.hemophilia.org/bdi/bdi_types3.htm . Accessed October 7, 2005. von Willebrand disease. National Hemophilia Foundation website. Available at: http://www.hemophilia.org/bdi/bdi_types3.htm . Accessed October 30, 2006. von Willebrands disease: what you need to know about this inherited disorder. Am J Nurs . February 2000. Last reviewed October 2007 by Mark A. Best, MD, MPH, MBA, FCAP, FASCPPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.