What is the Van willebrands disease?

Question

bleeding disorder

Answer 1

Do you mean "Von Willebrand disease"?
Please see the webpages for more details on Von Willebrand disease.

Answer 2

It is a bleeding disorder. Factor VIII of coagulation is ineffective. Inherited as autosomal recessive.

Answer 3

This is a rather common abnormal coagulation disease found in 1% to 2% of the population, affecting men and women equally, and occurring in all racial groups. It's a dominant gene, so if you have it, you have the disease and you have a 50:50 chance of passing it on to your children. Many people have one of the milder forms and may not even know there is anything wrong until later in life or when surgery is needed.

There are three main types of von Willebrand disease: Type I is the mildest and the amount of factor, which is normal, is reduced and Factor Vii may also be low.

Type II is divided in to IIa and IIb. The von Willebrand factor itself is abnormal and in Type IIa the ability of platelets to clump and form clots is decreased and in Type IIb the clotting is actually increased.

Type III is the most severe form in which von Willebrand factor is totally absent and Factor VIII is extremely low also, as much as 90% reduced. This form behaves much like hemophilia and has a signifciant risk to life and health.

There is also a psuedo von Willebrand's disease that behaves like Type II but is really a platelet defect, not a factor defect.

It's important to know which type you have because treatment is different and some types must avoid very common medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDS. Special treatments are also needed for surgeries, dental work and some injuries. Giving therapies like Vitamin K, FFP, DDAVP, and blood factor concentrates can prevent complications. Carrying a medic alert card or jewelry is a good idea.

A good starting point for information and referrals is the Hemophilia Socety. Their website is:
www.hemophilia.org .

Answer 4

http://www.thedoctorsdoctor.com/Diseases/vonwillebrands.htm