The Tyler Medical Clinic
Assisted Conception - Affordable Infertility Treatments
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The Tyler Medical Clinic Assisted Conception - Affordable Infertility Treatments
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- List of Diseases -
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand Disease is the most common hereditary blood disorder that is characterized by prolonged bleeding time. Approximately 1% of the US population is affected by Von Willebrand Disease. There are different subtypes of Von Willebrand Disease, namely Types 1, 2A, 2B, 2M, 2N, and 3. Type 1 is mildest form as well as the most common. Type 3 on the other hand, is rare and is the most severe form. They are classified according to the genetic mutation present.
In response to an injury such as a cut, the body releases platelets to form a plug at the injury site and to prevent further bleeding. Various factors are released by platelets including von Willebrand Factor (vWF) to aid in the clotting process. Reduced levels or reduced functioning of vWF results in prolonged bleeding times in individuals affected with Von Willebrand Disease. Patients with a severe form of Von Willebrand Disease may also suffer from spontaneous nose bleeds and bleeding from mouth, stomach, intestines or urinary system. Increased bleeding time, reduced levels and functioning of vWF and decreased levels of another clotting factor, Factor VIII, must be present for a definitive diagnosis of Von Willebrand Disease.
The most common treatment for Von Willebrand Disease is replacement therapy. Factor VIII and vWF replacements are administered to the patients. Other drugs may also be administered to aid in the clotting process of the patient.
Due to varying types of Von Willebrand Disease, families with a history of this disease should seek genetic counseling and request a comprehensive genetic analysis to determine the type of Von Willebrand Disease and the mode of its inheritance. X-linked forms of Willebrand Disease have been found and families with this particular type of Von Willebrand Disease may benefit from a new test called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). PGD tests for genetic abnormalities and determines the gender of an embryo prior to implantation. Some X-linked forms of Von Willebrand Disease may be more prevalent in one or the other gender. In such cases, knowing the gender of the embryos through PGD and implanting only the healthy ones will greatly reduce the chance of having an affected child. A experienced genetic counselor can determine whether PGD will be beneficial. PGD can currently test for a number of genetic disorders. It is continually being improved so it may someday test for all forms of Von Willebrand Disease and other genetic disorders as well.
Click here for more information on PGD
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