von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common — yet least diagnosed — bleeding disorder, affecting about 1% of all people. VWD is caused by a defect or deficiency of a blood protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF).

von WIllebrand Factor

Von Willebrand Disease is a chaperone protein for factor VIII. Von Willebrand Factor also has a function of its own and is essential for normal blood clotting. VWF is like a glue that initially makes platelets stick to the injured vessel wall. It also glues additional layers of platelets together to form a thrombus. Most people with VWD do not need treatment on a regular basis, but treatment may be considered for surgery and childbirth.

Symptoms of von Willebrand disease include:

• Bruising easily
• Frequent nosebleeds (epistaxis)
• Bleeding gums or bleeding after dental work
• Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia
• Prolonged bleeding after cuts or surgery
• Bleeding in the stomach, intestines, muscles or joints in severe cases

VWD is almost always inherited, from either parent or from both parents. However, there are medications and medical conditions that may lead to an acquired form of VWD.

Learn to recognize a bleeding disorder. Visit SignsOfBleeding.com

View videos on VWD and acquired bleeding.

For more information about VWD treatments, please visit the following resources:

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