Von Willebrand disease Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Von Willebrand disease?

Von Willebrand disease is a condition that can cause extended or excessive bleeding.

There are three forms of Von Willebrand disease namely:

1.Hereditary

I.vWD type 1
II.vWD type 2
III.vWD type 3

2.Acquired
3.Pseudo or platelet type.

Treatment of von Willebrand disease focuses on stopping or preventing bleeding episodes, typically by using medications.
With the right treatment, most people with von Willebrand disease can lead relatively normal, healthy lives.

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).

Symptoms of Von Willebrand disease:

Von Willebrand disease is generally accompanied by the following symptoms:

Abnormal bleeding
Recurrent and prolonged nosebleeds
Bleeding from the gums
Increased menstrual flow
Excessive bleeding from a cut or following a tooth extraction or other dental procedure
Blood in the stool or urine
Bleeding from shaving with a razor or other similarly minor injury
Easy bruising
Bruises with lumps that form underneath the skin

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