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
- QUESTION: What is the primary defect in von Willebrand disease (VWD)?
ANSWER: Quantitative or qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF) - QUESTION: Which type of VWD is the most common?
ANSWER: Type 1 VWD - QUESTION: What is the inheritance pattern of Type 1 and Type 2 VWD?
ANSWER: Autosomal dominant - QUESTION: Which type of VWD is characterized by a complete absence of VWF?
ANSWER: Type 3 VWD - QUESTION: What are the two primary functions of VWF?
ANSWER: Platelet adhesion to subendothelium and carrier protein for Factor VIII - QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of VWD in children?
ANSWER: Hemarthrosis (joint bleeding) - QUESTION: What is the most common bleeding symptom in children with VWD?
ANSWER: Mucocutaneous bleeding (e.g., epistaxis, easy bruising) - QUESTION: Which of the following laboratory tests is most specific for VWD?
ANSWER: VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and VWF activity (VWF:RCo) levels - QUESTION: What is the typical pattern of inheritance for Type 3 VWD?
ANSWER: Autosomal recessive - QUESTION: Which of the following factors can affect VWF levels in the body?
ANSWER: ABO blood type - QUESTION: What is the primary treatment for mild bleeding episodes in Type 1 VWD?
ANSWER: Desmopressin (DDAVP) - QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical indication for VWF concentrate in VWD patients?
ANSWER: Mild epistaxis responsive to local measures - QUESTION: What is the mechanism of action of desmopressin in treating VWD?
ANSWER: Stimulation of endothelial release of stored VWF - QUESTION: Which subtype of Type 2 VWD is characterized by increased affinity of VWF for platelet GPIb?
ANSWER: Type 2B VWD - 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 - QUESTION: Which of the following is a potential complication of severe VWD in female adolescents?
ANSWER: Menorrhagia - 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 - QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of acquired von Willebrand syndrome?
ANSWER: Positive family history of bleeding disorders - QUESTION: What is the role of VWF multimer analysis in diagnosing VWD?
ANSWER: To distinguish between different subtypes of Type 2 VWD - QUESTION: Which of the following conditions can mimic VWD in children?
ANSWER: Platelet function disorders - QUESTION: What is the typical bleeding time in patients with VWD?
ANSWER: Prolonged - QUESTION: Which of the following is a potential complication of repeated DDAVP use in VWD patients?
ANSWER: Hyponatremia - QUESTION: What is the role of genetic testing in diagnosing VWD?
ANSWER: To confirm diagnosis in complex cases and identify specific mutations - QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of Type 2N VWD?
ANSWER: Decreased platelet-dependent VWF activity - QUESTION: What is the recommended prophylactic treatment for children with severe VWD undergoing major surgery?
ANSWER: VWF concentrate - 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 - QUESTION: What is the role of platelet transfusion in managing bleeding in VWD patients?
ANSWER: Generally not effective unless there is concomitant thrombocytopenia - QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of platelet-type (pseudo) VWD?
ANSWER: Decreased VWF antigen levels - 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 - QUESTION: Which of the following is a potential trigger for increased VWF levels in VWD patients?
ANSWER: Exercise or stress
Further Reading
- ASH ISTH NHF WFH 2021 Guidelines on the Diagnosis of von Willebrand Disease - Comprehensive guidelines from major hematology organizations
- International clinical practice guidelines for the management of von Willebrand disease - Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis guidelines
- Von Willebrand Disease in Pediatrics: A Review of the Literature - Comprehensive review article from the Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
- MASAC Document 244 - Management of Von Willebrand Disease - National Hemophilia Foundation guidelines