Abstract
Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is a blood clotting disorder characterized by low levels of the Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) in the blood. VWF is functions to bind platelets and promote clotting of the blood when vascular injury occurs. Therefore, VWD leads to decreased or impaired clotting. There are three main types and four subtypes of VWD (type 1, 2A, 2B, 2N, 2M, and 3). Each type of VWD increases in severity. VWD is diagnosed preliminarily through a personal and family history and physical examination. Upon indications toward the possibility of a bleeding disorder, an initial hemostasis evaluation is performed followed by an initial VWD assay. The most common treatment for VWD is the use of desmopressin to promote VWF secretion into the bloodstream. New research addresses VWF- related proteins such as SNAP23 and ADAMTS-13 as well as organ transplantation and their respective effects on VWD.
Recommended Citation
Misla David, Ramon
(2017)
"Von Willebrand Disease,"
The Kabod: Vol. 3:
Iss.
2, Article 8.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/kabod/vol3/iss2/8