We identified three novel mutations (p.Gly39Arg, p.Lys157Glu, p.Cys379Gly) and one previously known mutation (p.Asp141Asn) in the von Willebrand factor propeptide from three von Willebrand disease patients. All four mutations impaired multimerization of von Willebrand factor, due to reduced oxidoreductase activity of isomeric propeptide. These mutations resulted in the endothelial reticulum ret...

In 1926, Erik von Willebrand, a Finnish physician, published the first manuscript describing a haemorrhagic disorder in people who were living on the Aland islands off the coast of Finland. This disorder is now known by the name of its discoverer. Since this early observation, von Willebrand disease has been extensively studied. Today, we know the structure and function of the von Willebrand fa...

von Willebrand disease type 3 (VWD3) is a rare but the most severe form of von Willebrand disease; it is due to almost complete lack of von Willebrand factor activity (VWF:RCo). It is inherited as autosomal recessive trait; whilst heterozygote carriers have mild, or no symptoms, patients with VWD3 show severe bleeding symptoms. In the laboratory, this is characterised by undetectable VWF:Ag, VW...

Repeated vaginal bleeding is a common complaint in outpatient obstetrical practice. Traditionally, it is treated with progesterone, without making an accurate etiological diagnosis. Hemorrhage during labor, delivery or postpartum period are considered obstetrical emergencies. Von Willebrand disease is one of the frequent causes for hereditary bleeding disorders; the diagnosis during pregnancy c...

Type IIB von Willebrand disease is characterized by enhanced ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation and absence of large von Willebrand factor multimers from plasma. An alteration of the von Willebrand factor molecule resulting in increased reactivity with platelets appears to be the basis for these abnormalities. We have now identified a new variant of type IIB von Willebrand disease in a fam...

Type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is characterized by a partial quantitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Few VWF gene mutations have been identified that cause dominant type 1 VWD. The decreased survival of VWF in plasma has recently been identified as a novel mechanism for type 1 VWD. We report 4 families with moderately severe type 1 VWD characterized by low plasma VWF:Ag and...

We have studied the modifications in the multimeric composition of plasma factor VIII/von Willebrand factor and the bleeding time response following administration of 1-Deamino-[8-D-arginine]-Vasopressin (DDAVP) to patients with different subtypes of von Willebrand's disease. In type I, all multimers were present in plasma in the resting state, though they were decreased in concentration. Admin...