von Willebrand Disease: Diagnostic Strategies and Treatment Options

Christopher J Ng1, Jorge Di Paola1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Children's Hospital Colorado, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Research Center 1 North, MS 8302, Aurora, CO 80111, USA.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is one of the most common inherited bleeding disorders. Since its first description in 1926, the diagnosis and management of VWD has significantly improved due to increasing scientific knowledge of the genetics and biology of von Willebrand factor (VWF). This article reviews the molecular structure and function of VWF as well as the clinical symptoms, laboratory-based diagnostic workup, and classification schema for VWD. It highlights current treatment options and state-of-the art research in VWF and VWD.

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