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

Diagnosis of Von Willebrand disease:

The following tests confirm the diagnosis of Von Willebrand disease:

• Medical history and physical exam.
• Blood tests.

1. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen.
2. Ristocetin cofactor activity. .
3. Factor VIII clotting activity.
4. Von Willebrand factor multimers.
5. Platelet function test (PFA-100).

Treatment of Von Willebrand disease:

The following treatment options are available:

• Desmopressin (DDAVP).
• Replacement therapies.
•  Contraceptives.
•  Anti-fibrinolytic or clot-stabilizing medications.

I.aminocaproic acid (Amicar)
II. tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron; Lysteda, others

• Fibrin sealants.

By : Natural Health News