Prognosis

Most VWD patients will require intermittent acute treatment for active bleeding or before procedures throughout their lives, but will respond well to treatment. All patients with VWD should avoid drugs that inhibit platelet function, as they may increase bleeding symptoms.

In people without VWD, VWF levels increase with age. In patients with mild type 1 VWD, levels may increase with age. Whether this results in amelioration of bleeding symptoms is an active area of research.[15]​[66]​

Von Willebrand factor and factor VIII levels increase during pregnancy, and in type 1 disease are usually in the normal range by the third trimester and treatment may not be needed at the time of delivery. Patients with types 2 or 3 VWD may require factor support at the time of delivery and should be managed collaboratively by consultants in haematology and high-risk obstetrics.[14]​[72]​ All patients are at increased risk for postnatal haemorrhage, especially delayed.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer