Skip to main content
Image of strands combined into one ball )

von Willebrand Disease

Have a Question? Use Our New Chat Feature! Chat with our Medical Information Specialists by clicking on the Chat with us now available in the lower right corner of this screen.

Disease Background

vwd overview 2Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is an autosomal inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and is the most common bleeding disorder, found in up to 1% of the US population.

VWF, along with factor VIII (FVIII), is a key molecule in platelet aggregation and adhesion and is critical to prevent bleeding via blood clotting.

VWF and FVIII circulate as a tightly bound complex
VWF increases the half-life and stability of FVIII in circulation 

Patients with reduced VWF have reduced FVIII

Typical symptoms of VWD include easy bruising, epistaxis, gingival bleeding, surgical bleeding, and heavy menstrual bleeding.

 

 

Characteristics of Types of VWD
VWD classifications

1. 3.Sharma R, Flood VH. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Von Willebrand Disease. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2017(1):379–384. 4.Ng C, Motto DG, Di Paola J. Diagnostic Approach to VWD. Blood 2015; 125(13):2029–2037. 5. Federici A. Management of inherited Von Willebrand Disease in 2006.. Semin Thrombosis Hemostasis. 2006; 32:616–620.

Diagnostic Process

The National Institute of Health recommends that assessments for diagnosis of VWD occur in two main stages:

1. Evaluation of clinical history

  • Family history and personal bleeding history (spontaneity and severity, sites of bleeding, duration of bleeding, type of injury associated with bleeding, ease with which bleeding can be stopped)

2. Laboratory evaluations

 

chart of diagnositic process to determine von Willebrand Disease

platelet-dependent VWF activity

VWD Treatment Options 2

VWD dosing recommendations 2

 

* Antifibinolytic agents in combination with topical agents, or with desmopressin and VWF/FVIII concentrates, can also be used1

For U.S. Healthcare Professionals only
For U.S. Healthcare Professionals only

The purpose of this CSL Behring Medical Affairs website is to support Healthcare Professionals with scientific information. This website is also a channel for U.S. Healthcare Professionals to submit questions or connect with CSL Behring U.S. Healthcare Professionals. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to promote any products. By continuing to use this site you are acknowledging that you are a US Healthcare Professional

toggle chat overlay
toggle chat overlay