Von Willebrand disease
Introduction
Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder.
People withVon Willebrand disease (VWD) either have a deficiency of a blood protein called Von Willebrand factor, or this protein doesn't work properly.This means that their blood cannot clot properly and they are prone to prolonged or excessive bleeding.
Von Willebrand factor acts like a glue which allows platelets (a type of blood cell) to stick together and to plug up damaged blood vessels. It also carries and protects another clotting factor called FVIII (factor 8).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 9 Jan 2017
Introduction
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder.
Signs andsymptoms
VWD can cause problems at any timefrom birth, but for many people the symptoms are so mild that they may never know they have it. It's estimated that around 1% of the UK population have reduced level
What causes VWD?
VWD is usually caused by a fault in the gene responsible for the production of Von Willebrand factor. This genetic faultcan be passed on to a child by one or both of their parents. There are four dif
Managing VWD
MildVWD might not need any treatment, and you may be able to manage the condition by taking special precautions and making a few lifestyle changes. Otherwise, three main treatments are available to e
Information about you
If you have VWD, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for better ways
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