MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Von Willebrand’s disease

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Von Willebrand’s disease

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Blood clot formation

Blood clots

Definition Return to top

Von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor. Von Willebrand factor helps platelets to stick to the blood vessel wall and to each other, which is necessary for normal blood clotting.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Von Willebrand's disease is the most common hereditary bleeding disorder. It affects both sexes approximately equally. Most cases are mild, and bleeding may occur after a surgical procedure or tooth extraction. The condition is worsened by the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bleeding may decrease during pregnancy.

The disease is very common, affecting at least 1% of the population. A family history of a bleeding disorder is the primary risk factor. In women with heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, Von Willebrand's is more common in Caucasian women than African American women.

Symptoms Return to top

Nose bleeds
Bleeding of the gums
Abnormal menstrual bleeding
Bruising
Skin rash

Signs and tests Return to top

Normal platelet count
Prolonged bleeding time
Reduced von Willebrand factor level
Reduced platelet aggregation (platelet aggregation test)
Ristocetin co-factor is reduced

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Factor VIII level
Von Willebrand factor multimers

Treatment Return to top

For most patients, bleeding is mild under most circumstances. However, if trauma occurs or surgery is scheduled, cryoprecipitate or DDAVP can be given to raise the levels of von Willebrand factor, which will decrease the tendency toward bleeding. Fresh plasma or certain factor VIII preparations may also be used to decrease bleeding.

Some subtypes of von Willebrand disease do not respond to DDAVP. Because of this, the subtype should be determined prior to reliance on DDAVP for a significant bleeding challenge. In addition, a trial of DDAVP can be done prior to surgery to test whether von Willebrand factor levels increase.

Patients with this disorder should not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen without consulting their health care provider.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Women who have this condition generally do not experience excessive bleeding during childbirth.

Life span is usually normal. Since this disease is genetically transmitted, genetic counseling may be recommended for parents.

Complications Return to top

Post-operative hemorrhage (bleeding) may occur.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if bleeding occurs with no reason.

If you have this disorder and are scheduled for surgery or are in an accident, be sure to notify the health care providers about your condition.

Update Date: 3/29/2004

Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (6/5/2003).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.