von Willebrand disease in the pediatric and adolescent population

Heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents: Evaluation of diagnostic indicators and treatment preferences

OBJECTIVE

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a significant health concern that may lead to critical medical care and impaired quality of life. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinical indicators of common causes of HMB in adolescents and evaluate the factors influencing the treatment preferences of clinicians.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2022, the electronic medical records of adolescents between the ages of 10-18 with HMB were reviewed, and a final of 205 adolescents was included. Clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis immaturity was diagnosed in 63.9%, bleeding disorders (BD) in 13.7%, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in 12.2% of the patients. The presence of "heavy bleeding" and the bleeding length at presentation were not different between the groups. Patients with a BD presented with lower hemoglobin (Hb) levels (P = 0.019), and more frequently required inpatient admissions (P = 0.005). Of all patients, 34.6% were given only iron, 44.9% were given a low dose, and 15.6% were given a high-dose hormone treatment. Factors influencing high-dose hormone regimens were lower Hb levels (P < 0.001), the place of visit (ER rather than the clinic) (P < 0.001), and the presence of multiple ER visits (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Physicians base their decisions to start high-dose hormonal therapy on objective parameters such as Hb levels and the need for hospitalization, while more precise guidelines are deemed necessary for initiating low-dose hormonal therapy. Standardized protocols and their practical implementation at the clinical level are needed for the management of HMB in adolescence.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Adolescents with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome/Hypermobile-Type Ehlers-Danlos: A Review

Heavy menstrual bleeding has a high prevalence and is well documented in adult patients with hypermobile-type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but there is limited research surrounding work-up and treatment for the adolescent population. Excessive menstrual blood loss can significantly interfere with emotional and physical quality of life. A provider should acquire a comprehensive medical and menstrual history and focused physical examination, as well as baseline laboratory studies, to determine the presence of anemia or underlying bleeding disorder. Use of a pictorial blood assessment chart may be considered to help quantify the amount of bleeding. Treatment to reduce heavy menstrual flow and referral to specialty care should be initiated swiftly to improve quality of life for this population. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(3):e104-e108.].

Sixth Åland Island Conference on von Willebrand disease

INTRODUCTION

The sixth Åland Islands Conference on von Willebrand disease (VWD) on the Åland Islands, Finland, was held from 20 to 22 September 2018.

AIM

The meeting brought together experts in the field of VWD from around the world to share the latest advances and knowledge in VWD.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The topics covered both clinical aspects of disease management, and biochemical and laboratory insights into the disease. The clinical topics discussed included epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of VWD in different countries, management of children with VWD, bleeding control during surgery, specific considerations for the management of type 3 VWD and bleeding control in women with VWD. Current approaches to the management of acquired von Willebrand syndrome were also discussed. Despite significant advances in the understanding and therapeutic options for VWD, there remain many challenges to be overcome in order to optimise patient care. In comparison with haemophilia A, there are very few registries of VWD patients, which would be a valuable source of data on the condition and its management. VWD is still underdiagnosed, and many patients suffer recurrent or severe bleeding that could be prevented. Awareness of VWD among healthcare practitioners, including non-haematologists, should be improved to allow timely diagnosis and intervention. Diagnosis remains challenging, and the development of fast, simple assays may help to facilitate accurate and rapid diagnosis of VWD.

Abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common diagnosis in the adolescent female population. In recent years, changes have been made to standardize nomenclature, evaluation and management of AUB in adolescents. The terms "abnormal uterine bleeding" and "heavy menstrual bleeding" have replaced terms including "dysfunctional uterine bleeding," "menorrhagia," "metrorrhagia", and "menometrorrhagia." Due to a high prevalence of these diagnoses in this population and resulting effects on quality of life, clinicians should understand and practice current evidence-based care, yet variability continues to exist. Evaluation should be focused on common etiologies of AUB in adolescents, namely non-structural causes, rather than those etiologies more common in adult females. The aim of this article is to review the existing definition, etiologies, pathophysiology, evaluation and management of AUB in adolescent females, with an emphasis on current universally accepted nomenclature and guidelines for use in clinical care.

Complex family planning and pediatric hematology oncology integrated clinic for young people with blood disorders and heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding

OBJECTIVES

To describe practice patterns of an integrated complex family planning-pediatric hematology oncology clinic for patients with blood disorders STUDY DESIGN: : We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of patients who had an initial consultation for blood disorders impacting menstrual bleeding in an integrated complex family planning-pediatric hematology oncology clinic from October 2015 to September 2020. We reviewed all charts to extract medical and gynecologic history, blood disorder diagnosis, hormonal treatment prior to and following initial consultation, subsequent visits to the integrated clinic, and hormonal treatment up to 24 months after initial consultation.

RESULTS

We saw 47 patients; their most common blood disorder diagnosis was protein defect (14/47, 30%). Most patients (30/47, 64%) were not using any hormonal treatment prior to their initial consultation. After the initial consultation, 26 (55%) elected to start, change, or discontinue hormonal treatment for abnormal menstrual bleeding, the most common treatment being combined hormonal contraception (CHC, 22/47, 47%), alone or as dual therapy. Over the study duration, 36 patients (77%) initiated, changed, or discontinued their hormone treatment, 22 (61%) of whom changed their treatment plan more than once. CHC usage decreased from 19/47 (40%) to 8/37 (22%) and hormonal device usage, particularly the implant, increased from 9/47 (19%) to 11/37 (30%) over the 24 months from initial consultation.

CONCLUSION

Most patients in an integrated complex family planning-pediatric hematology oncology clinic will change their menstrual bleeding hormone treatment with initial consultation, although management may require multiple changes. The most common treatment 24 months following the initial consultation was hormonal devices.

IMPLICATIONS

Patients with blood disorders affecting menstrual bleeding have complex needs that could be addressed by an integrated complex family planning-pediatric hematology oncology clinic. Most patients require multiple changes in treatment to achieve adequate control of their bleeding, and patients were more likely to choose hormonal devices for management over time.

Advances in the development of hemostatic biomaterials for medical application

BACKGROUND

Medical hemostatic biological materials are necessary for the development of the process of preventing and stopping damaged intravascular bleeding. In the process, some red blood cells and white blood cells are trapped in nets. The resulting plug is called a blood clot. This is often a good step in wound healing, but separation of blood clots from blood vessel walls can cause serious health problems.

MAIN BODY

The advance in the development of hemostatic biomaterials is necessary for biomedical application. Firstly, the historical background of artificial hemostasis has been included and the current research of hemostasis has been included in more detail. Secondly, the current research of hemostasis has been included on the oxidized cellulose-based hemostatic biomaterials such as starch based on composite cross-linking hemostatic networks, hemostatic materials on NHS-esters, hemostatic agent from local materials and biomaterials for hemostatic management. Thirdly, polysaccharide hemostatic materials, bio-inspired adhesive catechol-conjugated chitosan, mesoporous silica and bioactive glasses for improved hemostasis, minimally invasive hemostatic biomaterials and chitosan-base materials for hemostatic application have been included. Fourthly, the biological properties of natural hemostatic agent by plasma technology and the hemostatic agents based on gelatin-microbial transglutaminase mixes have been also included.

CONCLUSION

Current research on hemostasis includes hemostatic biomaterials such as cellulose-based hemostatic starch based on a complex cross-linked hemostatic network. It also includes polysaccharide hemostatic materials, biomimetic adhesive catechol-binding chitosan, mesoporous silica or physiologically active glass for hemostatic improvement, minimally invasive hemostatic chitosan-based materials, and gelatin-microbial transglutaminase-based hemostatic agents. Future studies should focus on modular combination of hemostatic imitation and reinforcement mechanisms of different materials and technologies to find the optimal system to promote and strengthen active platelet or platelet imitation aggregation in bleeding sites. The second optionally increases the production of thrombin and fiber formation at the site. Third, the formed fibrin biopolymer network has strengthened to reduce thrombosis and amplify hemostasis.

Low von Willebrand Factor in Children and Adolescents: A Review

IMPORTANCE

Recent studies have documented increased bleeding symptoms and related complications in patients with low von Willebrand factor (VWF), highlighting the clinical significance of this entity. Because children and adolescents with VWF deficiencies often present to primary care physicians with bleeding symptoms, physicians need to be aware of this condition for early detection.

OBSERVATIONS

Studies have found that children and adolescents with low VWF (VWF levels of 30-50 IU/dL) can present with clinically significant bleeding, including mucosal, menstrual, postsurgical, and posttraumatic bleeding, leading to complications such as anemia, iron deficiency, transfusion, hospitalization, and poor quality of life. Detecting and promptly managing low VWF in children and adolescents with bleeding are essential because failure to do so can lead to significant morbidity in adulthood, especially among female patients, including continued heavy menstrual bleeding; postpartum hemorrhage; related gynecologic complications, such as hemorrhagic ovarian cysts; and surgical interventions for heavy menstrual bleeding, including hysterectomy. This narrative review summarizes the observations of several studies that have shed light on the pathophysiologic mechanisms of low VWF and bleeding in these patients and the available diagnostic modalities and treatment options.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Studies in children and adolescents have provided important insights into the clinical phenotype, complications, pathophysiologic mechanisms, evaluation, and management of low VWF, now recognized as an important clinicopathologic entity, as presented in this review. As gatekeepers, primary care physicians play an important role in guiding patients with this recently recognized clinicopathologic entity toward appropriate specialty care and providing continued comanagement to prevent future complications as the patients enter adulthood.

Prepubertal Bleeding as a Presenting Symptom of Von Willebrand Disease: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) affects approximately 1% of the population and is often diagnosed after the presentation of mucocutaneous bleeding.

CASE

A 7-year-old girl with eczema and constipation presented to clinic reporting vaginal bleeding. External genital examination findings were normal, and results of a workup for precocious puberty were negative. Vaginoscopy revealed an atypical appearance with increased vascularity and friability. Oral mucosal bleeding at the time of extubation prompted additional workup and hematology referral, which led to diagnosis of type I VWD.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

It is important to keep bleeding disorders on the differential, for unexplained prepubertal vaginal bleeding, to aid in prompt diagnosis.

Potential Undiagnosed VWD Or Other Mucocutaneous Bleeding Disorder Cases Estimated From Private Medical Insurance Claims

Introduction

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a common inherited bleeding disorder, but awareness among health care professionals is low. We estimated the number of cases of undiagnosed VWD or other mucocutaneous bleeding disorders among commercially insured patients in the United States with a recent history of bleeding events.

Methods

Patients with a VWD diagnosis who were users of or candidates for von Willebrand factor replacement were identified from the IMS PharMetrics Plus Database (2006–2015). We constructed a unary patient-finding model based on 12 prediagnosis variables that best defined this population, and applied this to undiagnosed patients with recent bleeding events from the same database. Cases of symptomatic undiagnosed VWD or other mucocutaneous bleeding disorders in the commercially insured population were estimated from the “best fit” (positive predictive value [PPV] 83%) and “good fit” (PPV 75%) patients thus identified.

Results

Overall, 507,668 undiagnosed patients with recent bleeding events were identified (86% female, 14% male). Application of the VWD model identified 3318 best-fit and 37,163 good-fit patients; 91% of best-fit patients were females aged <46 years, with heavy menstrual bleeding as the most common claim. Projection to the full commercially insured US population suggested that 35,000–387,000 patients may have symptomatic, undiagnosed VWD or other mucocutaneous bleeding disorders.

Discussion

Computer modeling suggests there may be a significant number of patients with symptomatic, undiagnosed VWD or other mucocutaneous bleeding disorder in the commercially insured population. Enhanced awareness of VWD symptoms and their impact, and of screening and testing procedures, may improve the diagnosis of VWD and reduce disease burden.

Women and inherited bleeding disorders - A review with a focus on key challenges for 2019

The area of women and inherited bleeding disorders has undergone quick expansion in recent years. More patients are being identified and expertise to diagnose and manage these patients is now essential for practising physicians. Programs to help educate and empower patients and caregivers are now in place. Common inherited bleeding disorders affecting women include von Willebrand disease (VWD), inherited platelet disorders, and rare inherited bleeding disorders such as factor VII (FVII) deficiency and factor XI (FXI) deficiency. Specific clinical tools have been developed to help clinicians and patients screen for the presence of these bleeding disorders in both adult and pediatric populations. Affected women can experience heavy menstrual bleeding and resulting iron deficiency anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, and hemorrhagic ovarian cysts which need to be properly managed. Excessive bleeding can adversely affect quality of life in these women. Front line therapy for bleeding in mild cases focuses on the use of non-specific hemostatic agents such as DDAVP ®, tranexamic acid and hormonal agents but specific factor replacement and/or blood products may be required in more severe cases, in severe bleeding or as second line treatment when bleeding is not responsive to first line agents. Iron status should be optimised in these women especially in pregnancy and use of an electronic app can now help clinicians achieve this. These patients should ideally be managed by a multidisciplinary team whenever possible even remotely. Although clinical research has closed some knowledge gaps regarding the diagnosis and management of these women, there remains significant variation in practise and lack of evidence-based guidelines still exists in many spheres of clinical care in which caregivers must rely on expert opinion. Ongoing efforts in education and research will continue to improve care for these women and restore quality of life for them.

Contraceptive Needs of Adolescents with Chronic Illness

Contraception and sexual health form a key part of comprehensive health care for all adolescents, including those who suffer from chronic illness. Multiple studies have shown that adolescents with chronic illness have rates of sexual activity equal to or greater than their healthy counterparts. Primary care pediatricians have the most comprehensive view of the health of their medically complex patients and the benefit of a longstanding relationship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have created a comprehensive guide that provides advice on safe contraceptive options for patients with complex medical conditions. Here we review three cases of adolescents with common chronic medical conditions: von Willebrand disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and sickle cell disease. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(2):e78-e85.].

Treatment Modalities in Adolescents Who Present with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

STUDY OBJECTIVE

On this study we sought to determine the relationship of bleeding disorders to iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, this study was undertaken to examine all current treatment modalities used in a menorrhagia clinic with respect to heavy menstrual bleeding management to identify the most effective options for menstrual management in the setting of an underlying bleeding disorder. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We performed a retrospective chart review of adolescents younger than 21 years with heavy menstrual bleeding attending a multidisciplinary hematology-adolescent gynecology clinic. Information including demographic characteristics, bleeding diathesis, hematologic parameters, treatment, and the diagnosis was extracted from each chart. Subjects were grouped into 2 categories on the basis of the diagnosis of a bleeding disorder. Hemoglobin level, iron deficiency anemia, and need for transfusion were compared between a bleeding disorder and no bleeding disorder group. Subjects were grouped into categories depending on hormonal modality and treatment success of the groups were compared.

RESULTS

Seventy-three subjects were tested for a bleeding disorder. Of the subjects who completed testing, 34 (46%) were diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. Thirty-nine subjects (54%) had heavy menstrual bleeding because of other causes. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin between those with and without a bleeding disorder. Iron deficiency anemia was significantly higher in subjects without a bleeding disorder. In a comparison of hormone therapy success, the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (89%, 8 out of 9 subjects) had the highest rate of menstrual suppression followed by norethindrone acetate 5-10 mg/d (83%, 5 out of 6 subjects), and the transdermal patch (80%, 4 out of 5 subjects). All subjects using tranexamic acid as well as hormonal therapy had 100% achievement of menstrual suppression.

CONCLUSION

A high frequency of bleeding disorders was found in those tested. Subjects with a bleeding disorder were less likely to present with severe anemia requiring blood transfusion and less likely to have iron deficiency anemia. Although combined oral contraceptives were commonly used clinically for menstrual suppression, they were not found to be the most effective option.

Pilot study of novel lab methodology and testing of platelet function in adolescent women with heavy menstrual bleeding

BackgroundApproximately 40% of adolescent women experience heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), and 10-62% of them have an underlying bleeding disorder (BD). Diagnosing a BD remains challenging because of limitations of available clinical platelet function assays. The aim of this study was to characterize platelet function in a population of adolescent women with HMB using small-volume whole-blood assays.MethodsAnticoagulated whole blood was used to assess platelet GPIIbIIIa activation, α-granule secretion, and aggregation in response to multiple agonists. Platelet adhesion on collagen or von Willebrand Factor (VWF) under static and shear flow was also assessed.ResultsFifteen participants with HMB were included in the study, of which eight were diagnosed with a clinically identifiable BD. Platelet activation was blunted in response to calcium ionophore in participants without a BD diagnosis compared with that in all other participants. Impaired GPIIbIIIa activation was observed in response to all GPCR agonists, except adenosine diphosphate (ADP), in participants with qualitative platelet disorders. Our assays detected platelet aggregation in the majority of participants with a BD in response to ADP, collagen-related peptide (CRP), thrombin receptor activator 6 (TRAP-6), or U46619. Platelet adhesion and aggregation on collagen and VWF was decreased for participants with VWD.ConclusionParticipants with and without BD exhibited aberrant platelet function in several assays in response to select agonists.

Prevalence of hemostatic disorders in adolescents with abnormal uterine bleeding

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence of hemostatic disorders in a population of adolescents with various patterns of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred thirteen adolescents with AUB; mean age at menarche and mean age at the onset of symptoms 12 ± 1.2 years and 13.5 ± 2.8 years, respectively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data on menstrual history, bleeding symptoms, co-existing medical conditions, and medical therapies were assessed. All patients were screened for hemostatic disorders with laboratory testing. The incidence of the disorders was calculated. Subjects were further divided in 2 groups based on whether the AUB started in the first 2 years from menarche (group 1) or later (group 2). A statistical analysis was performed using a chi-square test to compare incidence of hemostatic disorders between the groups.

RESULTS

One hundred thirteen adolescents with AUB were identified. Overall, 54 (47.8%) patients had some underlying hemostatic disorder, of which a platelet dysfunction was the most common (17.7%). Von Willebrand disease was detected in 13.3% of cases and a deficiency of a coagulation factor in 12.4%. In 7.1% of patients an isolated increase of bleeding time was observed. When divided in 2 groups, 44.2% of patients in group 1 and 59.2% in group 2 had a coagulation disorders, with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .17).

CONCLUSION

AUB in adolescents is frequently associated with an underlying disorder of hemostasis, most commonly a platelet function disorder. The results highlight the importance of screening for coagulation disorders in adolescents with AUB, independently from the gynecologic age at onset.

Utility of platelet function analyzer as a screening tool for the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease in adolescents with menorrhagia

BACKGROUND

Von Willebrand disease (VWD), and in particular, VWD type 1 and low VW factor (defined as Von Willebrand Ristocetin cofactor activity (RCoF) <30 and <50 IU/dl, respectively with normal multimers) are frequently detected in adolescents with menorrhagia and both groups benefit from similar management. Platelet function analyzer (PFA-100®) is often used as a screening test to detect VWD. We analyzed the utility of PFA-100® as a screening tool in the detection of VWD type 1 and low VW factor (VWF) in an exclusive adolescent population with menorrhagia.

METHODS

The study population consisted of adolescents with menorrhagia who had simultaneously drawn blood samples for VWD and PFA-100®. Abnormal PFA-100® was defined as values >183 seconds for collagen/epinephrine and/or >126 seconds for collagen/ADP.

RESULTS

Of a total of 235 patients tested, 23 patients had RCoF <50 IU/dl and normal multimer patterns. Statistical analysis of the utility of PFA-100® in detecting RCoF <50 IU/dl with normal multimers yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of 52%, 89%, 34%, and 95%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, PFA-100® was not sufficiently sensitive to detect RCoF values <50 IU/dl with normal multimer patterns in teen-aged women with menorrhagia. We conclude that in the setting of adolescent menorrhagia, PFA-100® does not have utility as an initial screening test for the diagnosis of VWD and in particular, low VWF and that clinicians need to be aware of this limitation of PFA-100® while evaluating adolescents with menorrhagia.

Gynecologic concerns in pubertal females with blood disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The incidence and prevalence of blood disorders varies depending on the underlying etiology, age, ethnicity, family history, and presence of comorbid medical conditions. Gynecologic problems occurring around puberty may cause stress to families and patients, as well as management challenges to providers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Management strategies in the setting of bleeding disorders include hormonal and non-hormonal options to address problems occurring around puberty. Management strategies in the setting of clotting disorders allow providers to address common problems occurring in adolescence, while minimizing risk of venous thromboembolism.

SUMMARY

Preparedness is important at this time of life, not only to prevent unwanted gynecologic complications or hospitalizations related to specific blood conditions, but also to identify problems related to reproductive care that may be exacerbated or complicated by an underlying blood disorder.

Management of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is an extremely common problem among adolescents. This article reviews the differential diagnosis and clinical presentation. Additionally, we aim to present the most up-to-date guidelines for evaluation and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bleeding disorders are now recognized as a common cause for menorrhagia. The recommended laboratory evaluation has evolved in the last few years. Most forms of hormonal contraception, including the levonorgestrel intra-uterine device, are effective and have been studied in adolescents.

SUMMARY

HMB is prevalent in the adolescent population and is associated with serious complications. Laboratory analysis to rule out bleeding disorders should be considered. Medical management, the cornerstone of treatment, has been proven to be safe and effective in this population.

Epistaxis and hemostatic devices

Epistaxis is a common medical problem that rarely requires surgical intervention. However, when medical or surgical intervention is required, epistaxis can sometimes be difficult to control. Knowledge of nasopharyngeal anatomy is absolutely essential to the proper management of epistaxis. This article begins with a discussion of the essential anatomy of the region and the basic epidemiology of epistaxis, followed by a review of initial treatment as well as devices and procedures specifically designed for the control of epistaxis. Advances and new devices for the control of epistaxis are described.

In vivo gene transfer strategies to achieve partial correction of von Willebrand disease

von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common hereditary coagulation disorder, results from mutations in the 52-exon gene for von Willebrand factor (VWF), which encodes an 8.4-kB cDNA. Studies with VWF cDNA plasmids have demonstrated that in vivo gene transfer to the liver will correct the coagulation dysfunction in VWF(-/-) mice, but the correction is transient. To develop gene therapy for VWF that would mediate long-term expression of the VWF cDNA in liver, we first evaluated segmental pre-mRNA trans-splicing (SPTS) with two adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 8 vectors, each delivering one-half of the VWF cDNA. However, although the two vectors functioned well to generate VWF multimers after infection of cells in vitro, the efficiency of SPTS was insufficient to correct the VWF(-/-) mouse in vivo. As an alternative, we assessed the ability of a lentiviral vector to transfer the intact murine VWF cDNA in vivo directly to the neonatal liver of VWF(-/-) mice, using generation of VWF multimers, bleeding time, and bleeding volume as efficacy parameters. The VWF lentivirus generated VWF multimers and partially or completely corrected the coagulation defect on a persistent basis in 33% of the treated VWF-deficient mice. On the basis of the concept that partial persistent correction with gene transfer could be beneficial in VWD patients, these observations suggest that lentiviral delivery of VWF cDNA should be explored as a candidate for gene therapy in patients with a severe form of VWD.

Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension causing acquired von Willebrand disease and menorrhagia

BACKGROUND

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) maybe inherited or acquired; both etiologies can be associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. Pulmonary arterial hypertension may result in acquired VWD due to the destruction of high molecular weight von Willebrand multimers. We report a case of menorrhagia due to acquired VWD in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.

CASE

An adolescent female with known idiopathic pulmonary hypertension developed acquired VWD. Her primary disease necessitates the use of platelet inhibitors and intermittent anticoagulation. At menarche she also developed menorrhagia due to acquired VWD. She is currently controlled with stimate and progesterone-only therapy. VWD in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension causing menorrhagia. Although VWD and menorrhagia are commonly linked, the treatment and disease process in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is incredibly complex.