What happened in von Willebrand disease?

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a blood disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. Blood contains many proteins that help the blood clot when needed. One of these proteins is called von Willebrand factor (VWF).

What are the three types of von Willebrand disease?

The main types are:

• type 1 – the mildest and most common type. People with type 1 VWD have a reduced level of von Willebrand factor in their blood.
• type 2 – in people with this type of VWD, von Willebrand factor does not work properly.
• type 3 – the most severe and rarest type.

What is the life expectancy for von Willebrand disease?

The life expectancy for people with VWD is normal. What’s more, some researchers are finding that mild VWD could be a health benefit. They explain it this way. Von Willebrand disease makes it more difficult for platelets to stick together.

Is von Willebrand an acquired disease?

Acquired von Willebrand disease is a general term for individuals who develop von Willebrand deficiency that is not inherited (i.e. individuals do not have a mutated gene), but acquired at some point during life. Acquired von Willebrand disease generally results in mild to moderate bleeding complications.

What foods should be avoided with von Willebrand disease?

Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin, for example), and naproxen (Aleve). Take medicine to prevent heavy bleeding if you have an injury, are going to have surgery, or are about to give birth. Avoid medicines (called blood thinners) that prevent blood clots.

Can you have a baby with von Willebrand disease?

Pregnancy and Childbirth With proper care, women with von Willebrand disease (VWD) can have a successful pregnancy and deliver a healthy child. A woman who has VWD should be monitored closely throughout her pregnancy by her doctors.

Can I donate blood with von Willebrand disease?

But I have von Willebrand Disease (VWD), can’t I donate blood? Some blood collection centers will accept donations from people with VWD who have never had a major bleed or required treatment for their VWD.

Who is most affected by von Willebrand disease?

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) occurs with equal frequency among men and women, affecting up to 1% of the general population. However, women are more likely to experience symptoms of VWD because of the increased bleeding it causes during their menstrual periods, during pregnancy, and after childbirth.

Can von Willebrand disease skip a generations?

Most people who have von Willebrand disease (VWD) are born with it. VWD is caused by genetic changes that are almost always inherited (passed down) from a parent to a child.

What kind of disease is von Willebrand disease?

Von Willebrand disease (VWD), a congenital bleeding disorder caused by deficient or defective plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF), may only become apparent on hemostatic challenge, and bleeding history may become more apparent with increasing age.

How is von Willebrand factor related to blood clots?

People with the disease have low levels of von Willebrand factor, a protein that helps blood clot, or the protein doesn’t perform as it should. Most people with the disease are born with it, having inherited it from one or both parents. However, warning signs, such as heavy bleeding after a dental procedure, might not show up for years.

Which is the best treatment for von Willebrand factor?

Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatments to increase your von Willebrand factor, strengthen blood clots or, in women, control heavy menstrual bleeding: Desmopressin. This medication is available as an injection (DDAVP) or nasal spray (Stimate). Replacement therapies.

Is there a nasal spray for von Willebrand disease?

This high-strength nasal spray (Stimate®) is used to treat people with milder forms of VWD. It works by making the body release more VWF into the blood.