Von Willebrand
The von Willebrand disorder is a bleeding disease primarily caused by deficiencies in the VWF or von Willebrand factors, the protein that aids the blood clotting process. The bleeding typically happens when the blood vessels break. If the functional VWF levels are low, the platelets will not clot correctly, which causes bleeding. Those with the disease will have varying symptoms depending on its type and severity. However, the most common signs are easy bruising, bleeding from the gums, abnormal nose bleeds, and excessive menstrual bleeding.
In severe cases, bleeding episodes are hard to control, raising the risks of bleeding internally. The leading cause behind the von Willebrand disorder is a genetic mutation, and the type generally depends on if both or one parent passed the gene to you. For example, type 3 will only develop if inherited from the mother and father. Those who inherit it from one or the other will likely only get type 2 or 1.
Treatment plans for the disease vary on the condition type. Non-replacement and replacement therapy are the most common. Topical treatments are also prescribed for treating minor injuries, and specific medication for helping steady clots form by the platelets.
