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WIllebrand's Disease (vWD) is congenital bleeding disorder in women which
passes genetically as an autosomal recessive trait. It is caused by
deficient or defective von Willebrand factor (Factor III), a blood
protein that controls platelet activity. The bleeding tendency
manifests at an early age. Easy bruising, bleeding in the intestinal
tract during surgery, and excess loss of blood during menstruation
are common. It is the most common form of bleeding disorder. It is
named for the Finnish physician Erik von Willebrand who discovered
it. It is also called angiohemophilia and vascular hemophilia. |