Disease: Von Willebrand Disease

Definition:

 a common blood disorder that keeps your blood from clotting. This is an inherited disorder,
meaning parents may pass the disorder on to their biological children. 

Signs and Symptoms:

 Nosebleed (lasts longer than 10 mins)

 Bleeding from a cut (lasts longer than 10 mins)
 Bruises (like swollen and larger than a quarter in size)
 Heavy bleeding (after any surgery)
 Heavy menstrual bleeding
 Blood in stool
 Blood in urine

Causes:

 Genetic mutations affect your body’s ability to make normal Von Willebrand factor. Von
Willebrand factors are proteins that help your blood to clot.
 People also may develop von Willebrand disease as a complication of certain cancers,
autoimmune disorders, heart and blood vessel diseases.

Treatment:

 Desmopressin: This hormone boosts the levels of von Willebrand factor in your bloodstream.
This is the most common treatment for von Willebrand disease.
 Von Willebrand factor infusions: Some people may receive infusions of von Willebrand factor to
stop bleeding episodes. They may receive this treatment before surgery. Some people with
severe von Willebrand factor disease may receive regular infusions so they have a steady level
of von Willebrand factor in their bloodstream.
 Antifibrinolytics: These medications keep blood clots from breaking down. Your healthcare
provider may prescribe this type of medication if you’re having dental surgery or if you’re
someone who has heavy periods.
 Birth control pills: This medication helps people with menstrual bleeding. It contains estrogen
that increases von Willebrand factor levels in your bloodstream.

Reference:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17709-von-willebrand-disease