Von Willebrand Disease in Children

Introduction to Von Willebrand Disease in Children

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting up to 1% of the general population. It is particularly important in pediatrics due to its potential impact on a child's growth, development, and quality of life. VWD is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a crucial protein involved in primary hemostasis and coagulation.

In children, VWD can present unique challenges due to the increased risk of bleeding during normal childhood activities, the potential for delayed diagnosis, and the need for long-term management strategies that adapt as the child grows. Understanding VWD in the pediatric population is essential for early recognition, appropriate management, and optimal outcomes.



Video Notes



Von Willebrand Disease: Objective QnA
  1. QUESTION: What is the primary defect in von Willebrand disease (VWD)?
    ANSWER: Quantitative or qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF)
  2. QUESTION: Which type of VWD is the most common?
    ANSWER: Type 1 VWD
  3. QUESTION: What is the inheritance pattern of Type 1 and Type 2 VWD?
    ANSWER: Autosomal dominant
  4. QUESTION: Which type of VWD is characterized by a complete absence of VWF?
    ANSWER: Type 3 VWD
  5. QUESTION: What are the two primary functions of VWF?
    ANSWER: Platelet adhesion to subendothelium and carrier protein for Factor VIII
  6. QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of VWD in children?
    ANSWER: Hemarthrosis (joint bleeding)
  7. QUESTION: What is the most common bleeding symptom in children with VWD?
    ANSWER: Mucocutaneous bleeding (e.g., epistaxis, easy bruising)
  8. QUESTION: Which of the following laboratory tests is most specific for VWD?
    ANSWER: VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and VWF activity (VWF:RCo) levels
  9. QUESTION: What is the typical pattern of inheritance for Type 3 VWD?
    ANSWER: Autosomal recessive
  10. QUESTION: Which of the following factors can affect VWF levels in the body?
    ANSWER: ABO blood type
  11. QUESTION: What is the primary treatment for mild bleeding episodes in Type 1 VWD?
    ANSWER: Desmopressin (DDAVP)
  12. QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical indication for VWF concentrate in VWD patients?
    ANSWER: Mild epistaxis responsive to local measures
  13. QUESTION: What is the mechanism of action of desmopressin in treating VWD?
    ANSWER: Stimulation of endothelial release of stored VWF
  14. QUESTION: Which subtype of Type 2 VWD is characterized by increased affinity of VWF for platelet GPIb?
    ANSWER: Type 2B VWD
  15. QUESTION: What is the role of factor VIII levels in diagnosing VWD?
    ANSWER: Factor VIII levels are often decreased in VWD due to reduced VWF carrier function
  16. QUESTION: Which of the following is a potential complication of severe VWD in female adolescents?
    ANSWER: Menorrhagia
  17. QUESTION: What is the recommended approach for dental procedures in children with VWD?
    ANSWER: Use of antifibrinolytic agents (e.g., tranexamic acid) in addition to local hemostatic measures
  18. QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of acquired von Willebrand syndrome?
    ANSWER: Positive family history of bleeding disorders
  19. QUESTION: What is the role of VWF multimer analysis in diagnosing VWD?
    ANSWER: To distinguish between different subtypes of Type 2 VWD
  20. QUESTION: Which of the following conditions can mimic VWD in children?
    ANSWER: Platelet function disorders
  21. QUESTION: What is the typical bleeding time in patients with VWD?
    ANSWER: Prolonged
  22. QUESTION: Which of the following is a potential complication of repeated DDAVP use in VWD patients?
    ANSWER: Hyponatremia
  23. QUESTION: What is the role of genetic testing in diagnosing VWD?
    ANSWER: To confirm diagnosis in complex cases and identify specific mutations
  24. QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of Type 2N VWD?
    ANSWER: Decreased platelet-dependent VWF activity
  25. QUESTION: What is the recommended prophylactic treatment for children with severe VWD undergoing major surgery?
    ANSWER: VWF concentrate
  26. QUESTION: Which of the following is a potential long-term complication of severe VWD in children?
    ANSWER: Iron deficiency anemia due to chronic blood loss
  27. QUESTION: What is the role of platelet transfusion in managing bleeding in VWD patients?
    ANSWER: Generally not effective unless there is concomitant thrombocytopenia
  28. QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of platelet-type (pseudo) VWD?
    ANSWER: Decreased VWF antigen levels
  29. QUESTION: What is the recommended approach for managing VWD in pregnancy?
    ANSWER: Close monitoring of VWF levels and factor VIII levels throughout pregnancy and postpartum period
  30. QUESTION: Which of the following is a potential trigger for increased VWF levels in VWD patients?
    ANSWER: Exercise or stress


Further Reading
Powered by Blogger.
For mobile users: Use horizontal view or desktop mode for best experience. Please click on an ad before leaving.