von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a defect or deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF is a protein in your blood that is necessary for normal blood clotting. It is produced by the cells that line the blood vessel walls and acts like a glue, sticking to blood cells called platelets. Together, VWF and platelets form a plug to prevent the blood from leaking out of the site of blood vessel injury. People with congenital VWD are unable to make this plug because they either do not have enough VWF or their VWF is abnormal.
VWD is almost always inherited, from one or both parents. Only in very rare cases it can be acquired over the course of a person’s lifetime.
Learn more about congenital/inherited VWD
Last Updated:
6/8/2009 2:14 PM