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.
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.
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