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Hemophilia
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About Von Willebrand’s Disease |
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Von Willebrand’s Disease: A Non-Gender Specific Bleeding Disorder.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD) is a bleeding disorder that affects both men and women. According to the National Hemophilia Foundation, as many as 1 in 100 people are affected by this disorder and many don't know they have it. VWD is usually a mild bleeding disorder and may remain undiagnosed for many years. It was discovered by Dr. Erik von Willebrand in Aland Islands when a 12-year-old girl died at the onset of menstruation. Although this would presumably not happen today, there are other concerns surrounding vWD when undiagnosed. Problems can range from emotional stress associated with knowing that your child "bruises easily" to a young woman undergoing surgery to remove her uterus because of unexplained heavy bleeding. Some people may experience unnecessary complications during or after surgeries including blood loss and delayed recovery. Others may have difficulties with dental extractions and experience slow bleeding for several days. If a person is diagnosed with vWD, there are effective treatments available. An easy-to-use nasal spray can be prescribed for treatment of mild vWD.
The following is a list of warning signs that you or someone you know may have a bleeding disorder:
- Toddlers who bleed for several days after a mouth injury
- Prolonged bleeding when losing a baby tooth or with a dental extraction
- Heavy menstrual flow, more than 1 pad every 2-3 hours
- Bleeding from circumcision
- Bleeding gums
- Frequent, prolonged nosebleeds
- Bruises, especially when you have more than the average person
To reach a diagnosis, a physician will need a blood sample in order to run the required tests. If you would like further information, contact your primary care physician or the Hemophilia Program at the Puget Sound Blood Center at (206) 292-6507.
HFW Home Page | About Us
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Events and News
Newsletters | Camp I-VY | About Hemophilia | About Von
Willebrand Disease