What is Von Willebrand Disease?
Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting both men and women equally. While it may not be as well-known as conditions like hemophilia, VWD can lead to frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, heavy menstrual bleeding, and prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgery. In this article, we’ll explore what Von Willebrand Disease is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Understanding Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand Disease is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of a blood clotting protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF). This protein helps blood cells stick together (platelet adhesion) to form clots and stop bleeding.
If there’s not enough VWF or if the protein doesn’t work properly, blood doesn’t clot as it should. As a result, people with VWD may bleed more easily and for longer than normal.
Types of Von Willebrand Disease
There are three main types of VWD, classified based on the level and function of the von Willebrand factor in the blood:
1. Type 1
- Most common and mildest form (accounts for about 75% of cases).
- The person has lower than normal levels of VWF.
- Symptoms are usually mild and may go unnoticed.
2. Type 2
- Involves abnormal function of the VWF protein.
- There are several subtypes (2A, 2B, 2M, and 2N), each with different defects.
- Symptoms vary depending on the subtype but can be moderate in severity.
3. Type 3
- Rarest and most severe form.
- Very little or no VWF is produced.
- Symptoms can include serious bleeding episodes and may be similar to those seen in hemophilia.
Causes of Von Willebrand disease:
Von Willebrand disease arises from a qualitative or quantitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a multimeric protein that is required for platelet adhesion.
When Von Willebrand factor is scarce, small blood cells called platelets cannot stick together properly, nor can they attach themselves normally to the blood vessel walls when an injury has occurred.
The exact cause of acquired type of Von Willebrand disease isn’t clear.
It may be an autoimmune disease, or it may be linked to a slow thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or to certain medications, such as the anti-seizure medication valproic acid (Depakene) or the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
Von Willebrand Disease Symptoms:
The severity of von willebrand disease symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of VWD. Here are the most frequently reported signs:
- Frequent Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)
- Common in children and adults.
- Often spontaneous and hard to stop.
- May last longer than 10–15 minutes.
- Easy Bruising
- Large or unexplained bruises, even from minor bumps.
- Bruises may appear in unusual areas like the back or abdomen.
- Prolonged Bleeding from Cuts or Injuries
- Difficulty stopping bleeding from small wounds.
- May require medical attention even for minor injuries.
- Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)
- One of the most common symptoms in women.
- Periods lasting more than 7 days or soaking through pads/tampons hourly.
- May lead to iron deficiency or anemia.
- Excessive Bleeding After Surgery or Dental Work
- Prolonged bleeding after procedures like tooth extraction, tonsillectomy, or surgeries.
- May require preventative treatment beforehand.
- Blood in Stool or Urine
- In some cases, VWD can cause internal bleeding.
- May present as dark, tarry stools or reddish urine.
- Joint or Muscle Bleeds (in Severe Types)
- More common in Type 3.
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints.
- Similar to symptoms seen in Hemophilia.
Symptoms in Children
Von Willebrand Disease can show up in early childhood. Common signs include:
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Bruising from minimal trauma
- Prolonged bleeding after circumcision or teething
- Bleeding gums, especially after brushing teeth
These symptoms are coupled by the following in case of women:
- The presence in the menstrual flow of blood clots greater than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter
- The need to change the menstrual pad or tampon more often than hourly
- The need to use double sanitary protection to control menstrual flow
- Symptoms of anemia, including tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath
Diagnosis of Von Willebrand disease:
The following tests confirm the diagnosis of Von Willebrand disease:
- Medical history and physical exam.
- Blood tests.
- Von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen.
- Ristocetin cofactor activity. .
- Factor VIII clotting activity.
- Von Willebrand factor multimers.
- Platelet function test (PFA-100).
Treatment of Von Willebrand disease:
VWD is divided into three main types:
- Type 1 (Mild): Partial quantitative deficiency of VWF.
- Type 2 (Moderate): Qualitative defects in the function of VWF, further subdivided into 2A, 2B, 2M, and 2N.
- Type 3 (Severe): Complete or near-complete deficiency of VWF.
Treatment plans vary depending on the type and severity of the disease.
- Desmopressin (DDAVP)
Best For: Most individuals with Type 1 VWD and some with Type 2A and 2M.
What It Does:
Desmopressin is a synthetic hormone that stimulates the release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII from the lining of blood vessels. This temporary boost can help control bleeding.
Forms:
- Intravenous (IV) injection
- Intranasal spray (Stimate)
When Used:
- Before dental work or surgery
- During minor bleeding episodes
- For menstrual bleeding in women
Note: Not effective for Type 3 and some subtypes of Type 2 (e.g., Type 2B).
- VWF Replacement Therapy (Factor Concentrates)
Best For: Type 3, Type 2B, and cases where desmopressin is ineffective or contraindicated.
What It Does:
Factor concentrates contain purified von Willebrand factor and factor VIII. These are infused to directly replace the missing or defective proteins.
Types:
- Plasma-derived (e.g., Humate-P, Wilate)
- Recombinant VWF (e.g., Vonvendi)
When Used:
- During surgery or after trauma
- For severe menstrual bleeding
- As a regular prophylaxis in severe cases
- Antifibrinolytic Medications
Examples:
- Tranexamic acid
- Aminocaproic acid
What They Do:
These drugs prevent the breakdown of blood clots, helping to sustain the clot and reduce bleeding.
Common Uses:
- Nosebleeds
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- After dental procedures
- Hormonal Therapy for Women
Women with VWD often experience menorrhagia (heavy periods). Hormonal treatments can be particularly helpful.
Options:
- Birth control pills (combined estrogen and progesterone)
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release hormones
- Hormonal patches or injections
Effectiveness:
These methods reduce menstrual blood loss and are often recommended as first-line treatments in adolescent girls and women.
- Lifestyle and Supportive Care
While medications are central, supportive care can enhance quality of life and prevent complications.
General Tips:
- Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin, which can impair platelet function.
- Inform healthcare providers (e.g., dentists, surgeons) of your condition in advance.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet indicating VWD.
- Maintain good dental hygiene to reduce the need for invasive dental procedures.
- Prophylactic Treatment
In some severe cases (mainly Type 3 or severe Type 2), regular infusions of clotting factor are given to prevent spontaneous bleeding or damage to joints and organs. This is called prophylactic therapy.
- Treatment During Surgery or Pregnancy
Surgery:
- Patients may receive desmopressin or VWF concentrates before and after the procedure.
- Antifibrinolytics may be added to prevent post-operative bleeding.
Pregnancy:
- VWF levels often rise naturally during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
- However, careful monitoring is essential to manage bleeding risks during delivery.
- Factor concentrates may be given around the time of labor if levels remain low.
- Gene Therapy: An Experimental Future
Currently, there is no gene therapy approved for VWD, but ongoing research may pave the way for genetic approaches in the future. This could potentially offer a long-term or permanent correction of the defective gene.
By : Natural Health News
