What is von Willebrand disease brochure
von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder. People with VWD have a problem with a protein in their blood that helps control bleeding. They do not have enough of the protein or it does not work the way it should. It takes longer for blood to clot and for bleeding to stop.
There are different types of VWD. All are caused by a problem with the von Willebrand factor (VWF) protein. When a blood vessel is injured and bleeding occurs, VWF helps cells in the blood, called platelets, mesh together and form a clot to stop the bleeding.
VWD is the most common bleeding disorder that people have. It affects both males and females. VWD is generally less severe than other bleeding disorders. Many people with VWD may not know that they have the disorder because their bleeding symptoms are very mild. For most people with VWD, the disorder causes little or no disruption to their lives except when there is a serious injury or need for surgery. However, with all forms of VWD, there can be bleeding problems.
How do people get VWD?
VWD is usually inherited. It is passed down through the genes from either parent to a child of either sex. Sometimes, there is evidence of a family history of bleeding problems. However, bleeding symptoms can vary a lot within a family. Sometimes there is no family history and VWD occurs due to a spontaneous change in the VWD gene before the baby is born.
What are the symptoms of VWD?
The main symptoms of VWD are:
- easy bruising
- frequent or prolonged nose bleeds
- bleeding from gums
- prolonged bleeding from minor cuts
- heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- bleeding in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract
- prolonged bleeding following injury, surgery, dental work, or childbirth
Many people with VWD have few or no symptoms. People with more serious VWD may have more bleeding problems. Symptoms can also change over time. Sometimes VWD is discovered only when there is heavy bleeding after a serious accident or a dental or surgical procedure.
More women than men show symptoms of VWD. Women with VWD often bleed more or longer than normal with menstruation and following childbirth. Some women with VWD have a lot of menstrual pain or irregular menstruation.
Blood type can play a role. People with Type O blood often have lower levels of VWF than people with Types A, B, and AB. This means people with VWD and Type O blood may have more problems with bleeding.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Living with VWD
Resources
Last updated February 2008
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