Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
Treatments / Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
What is Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
Von Willebrand disease is a lifelong bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly due to low levels or improper functioning of von Willebrand factor, a protein essential for blood clotting.
Most individuals with this disease are born with it, inheriting it from one or both parents. However, symptoms, such as heavy bleeding after a dental procedure, may not become apparent for years.
While Von Willebrand disease cannot be cured, with appropriate treatment and self-care, most people with the condition can lead active lives.
What are the symptoms of von Willebrand disease?
Many people with von Willebrand disease have the condition without noticeable symptoms, or they may experience only mild symptoms. However, those with a more severe form of the condition may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Nosebleeds: Frequent nosebleeds lasting longer than 10 minutes, occurring five or more times a year.
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries: Bleeding that lasts longer than 10 minutes.
- Bruising: Easy bruising with raised, swollen bruises larger than a quarter.
- Iron-deficiency anemia: A condition where the body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Post-surgery bleeding: Excessive bleeding after any surgical procedure, including dental surgery.
- Heavy menstrual periods: Menstrual bleeding that requires changing pads or tampons every hour, or bleeding that lasts longer than seven days.
- Heavy bleeding after childbirth or miscarriage.
- Blood in stool: The presence of blood in the stool or bleeding after bowel movements, which may indicate other medical conditions. Consult a healthcare provider if this occurs.
- Blood in urine (hematuria): Noticing blood in the urine, especially if accompanied by an urgent need to urinate. Consult a healthcare provider if this occurs.
How do healthcare providers treat von Willebrand disease?
Healthcare providers may treat this condition with various medications:
Desmopressin: This hormone increases the levels of von Willebrand factor in the bloodstream and is the most common treatment for von Willebrand disease.
von Willebrand Factor Infusions: Some individuals receive infusions of von Willebrand factor to stop bleeding episodes or as a preventive measure before surgery. Those with severe von Willebrand disease may require regular infusions to maintain a steady level of von Willebrand factor in their bloodstream.
Antifibrinolytics: These medications prevent blood clots from breaking down. They may be prescribed for dental surgery or for individuals with heavy menstrual periods.
Birth Control Pills: These pills help manage menstrual bleeding by containing estrogen, which increases von Willebrand factor levels in the bloodstream.