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| Definition: | Von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor. Von Willebrand factor helps platelets to stick to the blood vessel wall and to each other, which is necessary for normal blood clotting.
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: | Von Willebrand's disease is the most common hereditary bleeding disorder. It affects both sexes approximately equally. Most cases are mild, and bleeding may occur after a surgical procedure or tooth extraction. The condition is worsened by the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bleeding may decrease during pregnancy.
The disease is very common, affecting at least 1% of the population. There are no racial or ethnic associations with this disorder. A family history of a bleeding disorder is the primary risk factor.
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Review Date: 6/5/2003
Reviewed By: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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