[Von Willebrand disease in the Netherlands: the WiN study]

Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder and is characterised by mucocutaneous bleeding. Von Willebrand disease is caused by reduced levels or reduced function of von Willebrand factor. Depending on the cause, von Willebrand disease is distinguished into various types with their own characteristics and treatment options. The frequency and severity of bleeding in patients with von Willebrand disease is strongly determined by von Willebrand factor levels, factor VIII levels and the type of von Willebrand disease. Eighty-five percent of all adult females with von Willebrand disease reports menorrhagia. A high percentage have postpartum excessive blood loss (37% of all deliveries). The quality of life is reduced in patients with von Willebrand disease. Patients with von Willebrand disease have a reduced risk of arterial thrombosis such as a myocardial or cerebral infarction.