HNC's SOAR — Support • Outreach • Advocacy • Resources — is a special program for women and girls with bleeding disorders
What is von Willebrand Disease?
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is a hereditary deficiency of von Willebrand factor in blood, occurring in 1% to 2% of the population. The factor is a protein that affects platelet function. Von Willebrand disease was first recognized in 1925 by Erik von Willebrand, a Finnish physician, who described a new type of bleeding disorder in inhabitants of the Aland Islands. VWD affects both males and females.
According to the National Hemophilia Foundation there are many variations of von Willebrand disease including:
- Type I: Most common and mildest form of the disease. The von Willebrand factor levels are lower than normal and factor VIII levels may also be low.
- Type II: The von Willebrand factor is abnormal.
- Type III: Severe von Willebrand disease. A total absence of von Willebrand factor and low levels of factor VIII.
- Pseudo von Willebrand disease: Platelets are defective rather than the von Willebrand factor.
- Symptoms of von Willebrand disease include frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding gums, bleeding following dental work, and heavy menstrual periods.
vWD Virtual Toolkit
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) has published a von Willebrand Disease Virtual Toolkit, an electronic resource designed to provide information on the topic of von Willebrand Disease for healthcare providers and patients/consumers. In addition to the resources developed specifically for this resource, many links are provided to external resources.
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