What does it mean if you have von Willebrand disease?

What does it mean if you have von Willebrand disease?

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a common inherited condition that can make you bleed more easily than normal. People with VWD have a low level of a substance called von Willebrand factor in their blood, or it does not work very well. Von Willebrand factor helps blood cells stick together (clot) when you bleed.

What is von Willebrand disease caused by?

The usual cause of von Willebrand disease is an inherited abnormal gene that controls von Willebrand factor — a protein that plays a key role in blood clotting.

What are the three types of von Willebrand disease?

Although VWD occurs among men and women equally, women are more likely to notice the symptoms because of heavy or abnormal bleeding during their menstrual periods and after childbirth. There are 3 major types of VWD: Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.

Is von Willebrand disease an autoimmune?

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.

What medications should be avoided with von Willebrand disease?

If you have von Willebrand disease (VWD), you can take steps to prevent bleeding and stay healthy. For example, avoid over-the-counter medicines that can affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Does COVID-19 decrease platelets?

Patients with mild symptoms have a slightly increased platelet count, whereas thrombocytopenia is a hallmark of severe COVID-19 infections. Low platelet count can be attributed to platelet apoptosis and the incorporation of platelets into microthrombi (peripheral consumption) and severe thrombotic events.

Can von Willebrand disease be acquired?

Acquired von Willebrand disease (AvWD) is an acquired bleeding disorder which may suddenly become manifest in individuals, usually in the absence of a personal or family history of bleedings and frequently in association with monoclonal gammopathies, lymphoproliferative, myeloproliferative and autoimmune disorders.

What medications cause platelets to drop?

Causes

• Furosemide.
• Gold, used to treat arthritis.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Penicillin.
• Quinidine.
• Quinine.
• Ranitidine.
• Sulfonamides.

Is von Willebrand disease autoimmune?

Can you take ibuprofen if you have von Willebrand disease?

If you have von Willebrand disease (VWD), you can take steps to prevent bleeding and stay healthy. For example, avoid over-the-counter medicines that can affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Always check with your doctor before taking any medicines.