Are there different types of von Willebrand disease?
Yes, von Willebrand disease is classified into three subtypes. Types I and III demonstrate quantitative abnormalities in the vW proteins, whereas Type II shows a qualitative abnormality. Type I is the most common form of vWD, accounting for at least 70% of all cases. Type I is also the most difficult to diagnose definitively because the three factors measured may all be at borderline levels in a patient with clinical disease. The type and severity of symptoms a person with vWD has depends on the quality of vWF in the blood. Symptoms include excessive bleeding from the gums and from cuts, nosebleeds, and in women, excessive menstrual bleeding. In the most severe forms, deep bleeding into joints and muscles occur. A person with mild vWD may be treated with an intravenous or intranasal medicine called desmopressin or DDAVP to boost their factor VIII and vWF levels. Persons with more severe vWD may require transfusions of a von Willebrand-containing blood product such as Humate P. There is
