Von Willebrand Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
مرض فون ويلبراند
Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder involving too little or poorly functioning von Willebrand factor, affecting platelet adhesion and factor VIII protection. Types and severity vary.
What is Von Willebrand Disease?
Mild disease may first appear after surgery or dental extraction. It affects both sexes; heavy periods or childbirth bleeding can reveal the condition in women.
Related reading: Hemophilia A and factor VIII deficiency.
Symptoms
Repeated nosebleeds, easy bruising, gum bleeding, prolonged procedural bleeding and heavy menstruation are typical. Severe forms can cause muscle or joint bleeding.
Causes
Inherited changes usually alter the amount or function of the protein; acquired forms are less common. A bruise or heavy period alone does not establish the diagnosis.
Risk factors
Family history increases likelihood in both men and women. Subtype, factor deficiency and prior bleeding determine treatment needs.
Diagnosis
Bleeding history is assessed alongside factor antigen, activity, factor VIII and selected tests. Routine clotting results may be normal; repeat testing is sometimes needed because levels fluctuate.
Treatment
Care depends on subtype, bleeding and the procedure: antifibrinolytics, factor concentrates or menstrual therapies may help. Desmopressin does not suit every patient: avoid it in type 2B; it is ineffective in type 3.
Complications
Iron deficiency, anemia and excessive surgical or postpartum bleeding may occur. Advance planning and follow-up reduce complications; one laboratory result cannot predict every bleeding episode.
Prevention
Coordinate dentistry, surgery and pregnancy with hematology, and review medicines that promote bleeding. If desmopressin is prescribed, follow fluid instructions closely to reduce low-sodium risk.
When to see a doctor
Persistent heavy bleeding, fainting, black stools or head injury needs urgent care. Heavy periods or recurrent fatigue warrant assessment for iron deficiency and anemia.