Von Willebrand Disease (Paediatric Hemato Oncology)

Acute
Benign Hematological Disorders

What is Von Willebrand Disease?

Von Willebrand disease is a lifelong bleeding disorder in which your blood doesn't clot properly. 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.

Von Willebrand disease can't be cured. But with treatment and self-care, most people with this disease can lead active lives.

Many people with von Willebrand disease don't know it because the signs are mild or absent. The most common sign of the condition is abnormal bleeding.

There are three main types of the disease. The amount of bleeding varies from one person to another, depending on the type and severity of the disease.

If you have von Willebrand disease, you might have:

  • Blood in your urine or stool
  • Easy bruising or lumpy bruises
  • Heavy or long menstrual bleeding
  • Heavy bleeding during labor and delivery
  • Frequent nosebleeds that don't stop within 10 minutes
  • Excessive bleeding from an injury or after surgery or dental work

Menstrual signs and symptoms might include:

  • Blood clots greater than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter in your menstrual flow
  • The need to change your menstrual pad or tampon more than once an hour
  • The need to use double sanitary protection for menstrual flow
  • Symptoms of anemia, including tiredness, fatigue or shortness of breath

Contact your doctor if you have bleeding that lasts a long time or is hard to stop.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Mild forms of von Willebrand disease can be difficult to diagnose because bleeding is common, and, for most people, doesn't indicate a disease. However, if your doctor suspects you have a bleeding disorder, he or she might refer you to a blood disorders specialist (hematologist). To evaluate you for von Willebrand disease, your doctor will likely ask you detailed questions about your medical history and check for bruises or other signs of recent bleeding. The results of these tests can fluctuate in the same person over time due to factors such as stress, exercise, infection, pregnancy and medications. So you might need to repeat some tests.

Book an Appointment

arrow arrow