Signs & Symptoms of Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease is a genetic condition similar to but less severe than hemophilia. The condition was named for Erik von Willebrand, a Scandinavian doctor who described the disease first.

Definition

• The disease is caused by a lack of the von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in your blood. This factor causes blood clotting, according to MedlinePlus---without it, excessive bleeding occurs.

Significance

• Von Willebrand disease is found in only 1 to 2 percent of the U.S. population, according to the National Hemophilia Foundation. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says it the most common genetic bleeding disorder, and can be present in women and men.

Symptoms

• Patients with the disease may have unusual bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, rashes, and heavier than normal menstrual flow.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of von Willebrand disease is challenging, reports MedlinePlus, and tests to determine bleeding time, platelet count and vWF amount aren't always conclusive.

Treatment

• Your doctor likely will prescribe medication---such as desamino-8-arginine vasopressin, a synthetic hormone---to increase the vWF in your blood, says MedlinePlus.