Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most common benign bleeding disorder. VWD occurs when there’s a problem with a protein in your blood called von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF is a type of clotting factor that helps your blood clot. It is usually an inherited condition that makes it difficult for your blood to clot properly. This can then lead to a condition as mild as easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds to more severe presentations like heavy, uncontrolled bleeding. Many people with VWD only need treatment on an as-needed basis, while some may need more frequent treatment.
Our team at Valley’s Center for Blood Disorders specializes in treatment to control Von Willebrand Disease — allowing you to live a full, active life.
Von Willebrand Disease Symptoms
Symptoms of VWD can be similar to other bleeding disorders — often making it difficult to get the right diagnosis. If you have signs of VWD, our hematologists can determine the cause of your symptoms — and the right treatment for you.
Some signs of von Willebrand disease include:
- Bruising easily
- Nosebleeds
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Heavy bleeding after an injury, childbirth, surgery or dental work
Like most people with VWD, you may be born with it. However, you may not know you have VWD until you face an unrelated health complication, like surgery with heavy bleeding. In this case, your surgeon may refer you to one of our hematologists for testing.
Types of Von Willebrand Disease
VWD can range from mild to severe. Valley’s hematologists have expertise in all types of VWD. The three main types of von Willebrand disease we treat at Valley are:
Type 1 VWD
Type 1 is the most common type of VWD. If you have type 1 VWD, you have low but detectable levels of the VWF protein. Your symptoms may be mild and may not require treatment, except on an as-needed basis.
Type 2 VWD
Type 2 has four subtypes, based on the specific problem with your VWF protein. If you have type 2 VWD, we’ll recommend treatment tailored to your subtype.
Type 3 VWD
Type 3 is the rarest and most severe type of VWD. With type 3, you have nearly absent levels of VWF protein and another blood-clotting protein called factor VIII (8). We can offer treatments that can help you avoid severe, sometimes life-threatening bleeding.
Acquired VWD
This form of VWD is not inherited and is quite uncommon, but in rare instances, can arise from complications from heart disease or autoimmune conditions.
VWD Diagnosis at Valley
Often, people with von Willebrand disease are misdiagnosed with hemophilia, another bleeding disorder. In other cases, people may not be diagnosed as children. Until they encounter a bleeding event.
At Valley, our hematologists are experienced in diagnosing von Willebrand disease in adults — and getting you started on the right plan.
At your first appointment, your hematologist will review your medical history and family history and examine you. They’ll also order blood tests to check the clotting factors in your blood in order to determine and assess your bleeding disorder.
Von Willebrand Disease Treatment at Valley
If it is determined that you have VWD, we will determine the type of VWD you have, we’ll develop a treatment plan with you.
Some options to treat VWD include medications such as:
- Desmopressin: This hormone medication helps your body release more VWF protein to control bleeding. You can take desmopressin as a nasal spray, injection or through an intravenous (IV) line.
- VWF infusions: If desmopressin doesn’t control your VWD symptoms, we’ll suggest VWF infusions to replace low levels of VWF protein in your blood. You’ll receive these infusions through a vein in your arm. We may also recommend infusions if you will be having surgery.
- Antifibrinolytics: These medications prevent your body from breaking down blood clots. They come in pills or injections.
Care Coordination
Your hematologist at the Center for Blood Disorders will also coordinate your care with other specialists at Valley as needed.
For example, if you have heavy menstrual bleeding, we’ll work with your OB/GYN on a treatment plan. This plan may include birth control pills, which can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
On the other hand, if you need surgery, your hematologist will work with your surgeon to prevent bleeding complications during and after surgery.
Why Choose Valley for VWD Care?
- An accurate second opinion: Symptoms of VWD can be very similar to hemophilia, which often leads many people with VWD to be misdiagnosed. That’s why we offer expert second opinion services for the full range of blood disorders. At Valley, our experienced hematologists specialize in diagnosing and treating complex benign blood disorders like von Willebrand disease.
