Abstract

A CASE REPORT ON VON WILLEBRAND’S DISEASE

A. Mahalakshmi, A. Priya and K. Arun Chander*

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Abstract

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder due to a defect of Von Willebrand Factor (VMF), which is a glycoprotein crucial for platelet adhesion to the sub endothelium after vascular injury. Characteristic bleeding symptoms include epistaxis, easy bruising, bleeding in oral cavity and after dental extraction surgery. Heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common symptom among females with von Willebrand. disease, occurring in up to 93% of patients.7–9 Onset of heavy menstrual bleeding at menarche is often the first sign of von Willebrand disease in affected patients. If the VWD is suspected, diagnostic tests should include an activated partial thromboplastin time, bleeding time, factor VIII: C Ristocetin cofactor and vWF antigen. There are two main treatments in von Willebrand disease, i.e., desmopressin and transfusional therapy with blood products. Desmopressin synthetic (manmade) hormone causes a temporary increase in the Von Willebrand factor and factor VIII levels. It can be given as an injection or a nasal spray.

Keywords: Von Willebrand disease, factor VIII, bleeding disorder, desmopressin.