VON WILLEBRAND’S DISEASE

TYPES

• Type 1. It is the most frequent and mild type of VWD, in which a person’s VWF levels are lower than usual. An individual with Type 1 VWD may also have low amounts of factor VIII (8), a blood-clotting protein. 
• Type 2. Although the body produces normal quantities of VWF in this form of VWD, the component somehow doesn’t function properly. Based on the particular issue with the person’s VWF, type 2 is further subdivided into four subtypes: 2A, 2B, 2M, and 2N.
• Type 3. It is the most severe type of VWD, with virtually no VWF and low factor VIII levels. This is the least frequent kind of VWD. Type 3 affects just 3% of individuals with VWD.

SYMPTOMS

The following are the main symptoms of Von Willebrand’s disease:

• Nosebleeds that are recurrent or difficult to stop
• Easy Bruising
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
• Bleeding that lasts longer than usual after an injury, operation, labor, or surgical procedures

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor will inquire about an individual’s personal and family history of bleeding to determine whether they have VWD. In addition, the doctor will look for abnormal bruising or other indications of recent bleeding and will run certain blood tests to see how the blood clots. 

Afterward, the tests will reveal the quantity of clotting proteins in the blood as well as whether or not the clotting proteins are functioning correctly. Also, because some medicines may induce bleeding even in individuals who do not have a bleeding problem, the doctor will inquire about any recent or regular medications that may have caused or exacerbated bleeding symptoms.

TREATMENT

The kind of therapy recommended for VWD is determined by the disease’s type and magnitude. However, a mild bleeding may not need the use of medicines.

The most frequent forms of therapy are as follows:

• Desmopressin Acetate Injection
• Desmopressin Acetate Nasal Spray
• Antifibrinolytic Drugs
• Birth Control Pills