Patient discussions
Patients should be educated about the nature of their disorder. They should be counselled to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and non-prescription supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and fish oil, that can increase bleeding risk. Symptoms in family members should be elicited and symptomatic family members screened by laboratory testing, so that appropriate treatment and preventive measures can be instituted. Patients should be managed by a haematologist (in collaboration with other specialists) experienced in the treatment of bleeding disorders so that plans for surgical and other invasive procedures can be made in advance. Patient education materials are available from the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation and the World Federation of Hemophilia. National Bleeding Disorders Foundation Opens in new window World Federation of Hemophilia Opens in new window Patients should be counselled regarding the hereditary nature of VWD, and the likelihood of children being affected.[14]
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