[Diagnosing von Willebrand disease]

Abstract

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder with abnormal primary haemostasis due to defects in, or decreased concentration of the glycoprotein von Willebrand factor. In Denmark, the estimated prevalence of VWD is 1% corresponding to approximately 50,000 patients, but only a few hundred have been diagnosed, mostly due to prolonged bleeding after a trauma or during surgery. Thus, VWD is underdiagnosed in the general population. Improved anamnestic screening for bleeding disorders such as VWD in certain high-risk groups can facilitate institution of prophylactic treatment.