Semin Thromb Hemost 2016; 42(05): 498-506
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1581106
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Prophylaxis in von Willebrand Disease: Coming of Age?

Giorgia Saccullo
1   Centro di Riferimento Regionale per le Coagulopatie Congenite del bambino e dell'adulto, U.O. Ematologia con TMO, Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Palermo, Italia
,
Mike Makris
2   Sheffield Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
02 June 2016 (online)

Abstract

Although in most cases von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a mild disorder, a subgroup of patients experience frequent bleeding. In contrast to severe hemophilia in which prophylaxis is the accepted standard of care, this is less frequently used in VWD. Most type 1 VWD patients can be adequately managed with episodic desmopressin and tranexamic acid. In patients with more severe disease, especially those with type 3 VWD, joint bleeds, epistaxis, menorrhagia, and gastrointestinal bleeding are problematic and usually require treatment with von Willebrand factor/factor VIII (VWF/FVIII) concentrate. While in the past these patients were managed with on-demand VWF/FVIII concentrate, several recent reports have demonstrated the value of prophylactic treatment. Despite some uncertainties about the economic impact of treatment of severe VWD, prophylaxis with VWF concentrate should now be considered as the standard of care for the more severe end of the spectrum of affected individuals. The recent introduction of recombinant VWF concentrate is likely to improve the acceptability of prophylaxis in VWD.

 
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