What is a von Willebrand factor test?

What is a von Willebrand factor test?

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) testing is used to investigate excessive or recurrent bleeding episodes or a personal or family history of excessive bleeding. Testing is used to help diagnose von Willebrand disease (VWD) and distinguish between the various types of VWD.

How do you test for von Willebrand disease?

Diagnostic Tests The blood tests that a doctor can order to diagnose VWD (or another platelet disorder) include: Factor VIII clotting activity―To measure the amount of factor VIII in the blood. Von Willebrand factor antigen―To measure the amount of VWF in the blood.

What is the normal range for von Willebrand factor?

In the general population, the mean level of plasma VWF is 100 IU per dL, with a normal reference range between 50 and 200 IU per dL. The 5 percent of persons with VWF levels of less than 50 IU per dL include those with VWD and those with slightly low, but nondiagnostic, levels.

What is von Willebrand factor activity?

A von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity – ristocetin cofactor test lets doctors evaluate the functioning of the protein vWF, which helps blood to clot. The blood’s ability to clot is a complex process involving platelets (also called thrombocytes) and proteins called clotting factors.

Is von Willebrand serious?

Rarely, von Willebrand disease can cause uncontrollable bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Other complications of von Willebrand disease can include: Anemia. Women who have heavy menstrual bleeding can develop iron deficiency anemia.

Is von Willebrand disease an autoimmune disease?

While the more common types of von Willebrand’s disease are inherited, it is also possible to develop the condition from an autoimmune disease such as lupus or cancer, or as a result of taking some medications. This is called acquired von Willebrand’s disease.

How is von Willebrand inherited?

Most, but not all, cases of von Willebrand disease (VWD) are inherited . The majority of cases of type 1 and type 2A, as well as type 2B and type 2M, are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. VWD type 2N, type 3, and some cases of type 1 and type 2A are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

Are platelets low in von Willebrand disease?

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a hereditary deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF), which causes platelet dysfunction. Bleeding tendency is usually mild. Screening tests show a normal platelet count and, possibly, a slightly prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT).

What are the types of von Willebrand disease?

Types of von Willebrand disease

• type 1 – the mildest and most common type. People with type 1 VWD have a reduced level of von Willebrand factor in their blood.
• type 2 – in people with this type of VWD, von Willebrand factor does not work properly.
• type 3 – the most severe and rarest type.

How do you treat type 2B von Willebrand disease?

As with other subtypes of vWD, the mainstay of therapy for type 2B vWD is vWF replacement therapy, in the form of recombinant vWF (rVWF) or vWF/FVIII concentrates. The adjunct therapies useful in vWD also apply in this variant. These include: antifibrinolytics (aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid)

How do you treat von Willebrand disease?

There are 2 main options available for the treatment of spontaneous bleeding episodes and for bleeding prophylaxis: desmopressin and transfusional therapy with plasma products. Desmopressin is the treatment of choice for most patients with type 1 vWD, who account for approximately 70% to 80% of cases.

Is von Willebrand disease dominant or recessive?

Von Willebrand disease can have different inheritance patterns. Most cases of type 1 and type 2 von Willebrand disease are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern , which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.

What blood disorder is inherited from both parents?

Thalassemia is an inherited (i.e., passed from parents to children through genes) blood disorder caused when the body doesn’t make enough of a protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red blood cells.

What foods to avoid if you have hemophilia?

Food and supplements to avoid

• large glasses of juice.
• soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened tea.
• heavy gravies and sauces.
• butter, shortening, or lard.
• full-fat dairy products.
• candy.
• foods containing trans fats, including fried foods and baked goods (pastries, pizza, pie, cookies, and crackers)

What should I drink after losing blood?

After donating, your blood pressure may drop. To avoid a drop in blood pressure and replenish lost fluids, drink plenty of liquids such as water and sports drinks. Water and sports drinks are available in the canteen area after donation to help you stay healthy and hydrated.

What foods help stop bleeding?

Eat vitamin C-rich foods

• red and green peppers.
• kiwis.
• strawberries.
• Brussels sprouts.
• broccoli.
• tomato juice.

Can hemophilia be cured?

There is currently no cure for hemophilia. Effective treatments do exist, but they are expensive and involve lifelong injections several times per week to prevent bleeding.

What is the life expectancy for someone with hemophilia?

Life expectancy in hemophilia varies, depending on whether patients receive appropriate treatment. Many patients still die before adulthood due to inadequate treatment. With proper treatment, life expectancy is only about 10 years less than healthy men.

Is Hemophilia A lifelong disease?

Hemophilia May No Longer Be a Lifelong Disease Soon. Researchers are looking into gene therapy as a way to combat the abnormal bleeding disorder that can cause dangerous health complications. A girl’s first period can be life-changing.

What organs are affected by hemophilia?

Hemophilia can result in: Bleeding within joints that can lead to chronic joint disease and pain. Bleeding in the head and sometimes in the brain which can cause long term problems, such as seizures and paralysis. Death can occur if the bleeding cannot be stopped or if it occurs in a vital organ such as the brain.

Is Factor VIII hereditary?

The exact basis for increases in factor VIII is not completely understood, but it is likely a combination of genetic and acquired variables. Genetic factors such as increased von Willebrand factor levels and non–O blood groups have been associated with elevated factor VIII level.