Von Willebrand disease
The commonest inherited bleeding disorder: when to suspect it, the bleeding score and VWF panel, the 0.30 and 0.50 IU/mL thresholds (ASH/ISTH 2021, reaffirmed 2025), desmopressin trials and its traps, heavy menstrual bleeding, surgery and pregnancy, and acquired von Willebrand syndrome.
Tier 2Condition
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the commonest inherited bleeding disorder. Low VWF levels are found in about 1% of people; symptomatic disease is about 1 in 1,000.
- Bleeding is mucocutaneous: heavy periods since menarche, epistaxis, gum bleeding, easy bruising, bleeding after dental extraction, surgery or childbirth.
- The screen (platelet count, PT, APTT) is often normal. If the history fits, ask for a VWF panel.
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Sources
- ASH ISTH NHF WFH 2021 guidelines on the diagnosis of von Willebrand diseaseJames PD et al., Blood Adv 2021;5:280-300, 2021
- ASH ISTH NHF WFH 2021 guidelines on the management of von Willebrand diseaseConnell NT et al., Blood Adv 2021;5:301-325, 2021
- 2025 ASH ISTH NBDF WFH monitoring report on the 2021 clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of von Willebrand diseaseJames PD, Flood VH, Connell NT. Blood Adv 2025;9:3553-3555, 2025 (no change to 2021 recommendations)
- VWD treatmentAU/NZHaemophilia Foundation Australia, Reviewed October 2024
- Clinical practice guideline: von Willebrand diseaseAU/NZThe Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
- Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG complete): bleeding disordersAU/NZTherapeutic Guidelines Limited
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Turnstile bot check on sign-in and signed-out feedback