Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnancies affected by von Willebrand disease type 2

Type 2B von Willebrand Disease: Early Manifestation as Neonatal Thrombocytopenia

Here, we report about a preterm female newborn with a prolonged course of severe thrombocytopenia and hematomas. The family history was positive for von Willebrand disease type 2B (VWD 2B). Diagnosis of VWD 2B was identified analyzing von Willebrand factor (VWF) parameters (VWF:antigen, VWF:activity, VWF multimer analyses) and performing light transmission aggregometry (with half concentration of ristocetin). In addition, the diagnosis was confirmed by molecular genetic analysis: identification of a disease-causing missense mutation (Val1316Met) in the VWF gene associated with a severe course of VWD 2B, which had been previously reported. Treatment with a VWF-containing plasma concentrate was initiated. Because the combination of prematurity and very low platelet count is often associated with intracranial bleeding, at the beginning platelet concentrates were transfused. Fortunately, the patient did not develop serious bleeding episodes. Interestingly, the patient had a mutation in the VWF gene, which had been described to be associated with aggravation of thrombocytopenia especially in stressful situations. Therefore, we replaced venous blood withdrawals by capillary blood samplings when possible and, consequently, we observed an increase of the platelet count after this change in management. At the age of 2 months, the patient was discharged after stabilization of the platelet count without any bleeding signs and without a need of long-term medication.

Type 2B von Willebrand Disease in Pregnancy: A Systematic Literature Review

Our objective was to review the maternal characteristics and obstetric complications in women with type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD). A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We included all publications that addressed type 2B VWD in pregnancy. Our primary and secondary outcomes were incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and incidence of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies and abstracted data including maternal characteristics, hematologic characteristics, treatment, and delivery outcomes. Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. There were 27 women (32 pregnancies) with type 2B VWD. Primary PPH was reported in 9/20 women (45%) and secondary PPH was reported in 6/13 women (46%). Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy was present in 27/28 women (96%); 23/27 women (85%) had platelet count <100 × 10⁹/L, mean 33.7 ± 22.7 × 10⁹/L. Factor concentrate treatment was administered before delivery (n = 16) and postpartum (n = 18), some women received both. Seventeen deliveries required blood products postpartum with 13/17 (76%) platelet transfusions and 6/17 (35%) red blood cell transfusions. No maternal mortality was reported. Women with type 2B VWD have significant morbidity in pregnancy related to high incidence of severe thrombocytopenia and primary and secondary PPH.

How I treat type 2B von Willebrand disease

Type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by changes in von Willebrand factor (VWF) that enhance binding of VWF to GPIb on platelets. Although this disorder is seemingly well defined because of this single molecular defect, in reality type 2B VWD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that can be difficult to identify and manage. Diagnostic criteria include a history of mucocutaneous bleeding, laboratory studies showing enhanced VWF binding of platelets and/or a 2B VWD genetic variant, and a family history consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. Thrombocytopenia, although not always present, is common and can be exacerbated by physiologic stressors such as pregnancy. The mainstay of therapy for type 2B VWD is VWF replacement therapy. Adjunct therapies useful in other types of VWD, such as antifibrinolytics, are also used in type 2B VWD. 1-Desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) is controversial because of exacerbation of thrombocytopenia, but is, in practice, sometimes used for minor bleeding. Here we review the available evidence and provide 3 clinical cases to illustrate the intricacies of diagnosing type 2B VWD to describe the response to DDAVP and to review complexities and management during pregnancy.

Management of pregnancy and emergency caesarean delivery in a patient with type IIB von Willebrand disease and severe preeclampsia: A case report and literature review

Main purposes of the study

To report an example of how concurrent von Willebrand disease type IIB disease and severe preeclampsia can be safely managed to and to review the current literature to evaluate management approaches that have proven safe and effective.

The basic procedures used

Report of case with a review of literature.

Conclusions

Through regular von Willebrand factor and platelet replacement during the prenatal period, immediately pre-delivery, and as needed intraoperatively and postoperatively, women with von Willebrand disease type IIB can safely undergo both normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries and caesarean deliveries, even with concurrent disorders like preeclampsia. Further studies with larger sample size are required to solidify management concepts in this disease concurrent with pregnancy.

Management of type 2b von Willebrand disease in the neonatal period

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting one in 1,000 people. Type 2b VWD is a less common subtype caused by a gain-of-function mutation in von Willebrand factor (VWF) that leads to the formation of large, ineffective VWF-platelet multimers in circulation. This unique pathophysiology creates diagnostic and treatment dilemmas. There is limited information on the management of type 2b VWD in the neonatal period. This report describes the management of a neonate with type 2b VWD with an emphasis on the added benefit of concomitant platelet transfusion and factor replacement therapy over factor replacement therapy alone.

Von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders in women: consensus on diagnosis and management from an international expert panel

Reproductive tract bleeding in women is a naturally occurring event during menstruation and childbirth. In women with menorrhagia, however, congenital bleeding disorders historically have been underdiagnosed. This consensus is intended to allow physicians to better recognize bleeding disorders as a cause of menorrhagia and consequently offer effective disease-specific therapies.

[Pregnancy and delivery in a patient with Willebrand's disease. Apropos of a case]

Willebrand's disease is the most frequent inborn coagulopathy and type 3 is its most severe form. Pregnancy and delivery are critical events in women with Willebrand's disease of type 3. Prophylactic treatment for delivery and early postpartum period is recommended. We report the management of pregnancy and successful delivery of a 32-year-old woman with type 3. Prophylactic treatment with 2000 IU of Willebrand's disease factor (WdF) was given twice a day during the delivery day and the day after, and 1000 IU per day during the next three days. The patient did not show any spontaneous metrorrhagia but anemia. No bleeding was observed in the newborn.

Bleeding events and other complications during pregnancy and childbirth in women with von Willebrand disease

BACKGROUND

Case reports and case series suggest that women with von Willebrand disease (VWD) are at an increased risk of bleeding complications during pregnancy and delivery.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the incidence of bleeding events and other complications in women with VWD during pregnancy and childbirth.

METHODS

The United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the years 2000-2003 was queried for all pregnancy-related discharges. Women with a diagnosis of VWD were compared with women without VWD. Data were analyzed based on the NIS sampling design. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios with 95% CI.

RESULTS

There were 4067 deliveries among women with VWD (1 in 4000 deliveries). Although women with VWD were more likely to experience antepartum bleeding [odds ratio (OR) 10.2, 95% CI: 7.1, 14.6], they were no more likely to experience premature labor, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction or intrauterine fetal demise. Women with VWD were more likely to experience a postpartum hemorrhage (OR, 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.0), and had a 5-fold increased risk of being transfused (OR, 4.7; 95% CI: 3.2, 7.0). Five of the 4067 women with VWD died, a maternal mortality rate 10 times higher than that for other women.

CONCLUSIONS

Although women with VWD do not appear to be at an increased risk of poor fetal outcomes, they are at an increased risk of bleeding events and possibly death during pregnancy and childbirth.

Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder, results from a deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein required for the normal adhesion of platelets to the site of injured endothelium and for preservation of factor VIII in the circulation. The prevalence of VWD has been reported to be as high as 1.3%. Among women with VWD, menorrhagia is the most common symptom, affecting 32% to 100%. Treatments that have been reported to control menorrhagia in these women include combined oral contraceptives, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), tranexamic acid, and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. With the exception of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, any treatments effective in the treatment of menorrhagia, including hysterectomy, may be suitable. Besides menorrhagia, women with VWD appear to be at an increased risk of developing hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and possibly endometriosis. As they grow older, they may be more likely to manifest conditions that present with bleeding such as fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, and polyps. During pregnancy, they may be at greater risk of miscarriage and bleeding complications, particularly delayed or secondary postpartum hemorrhage. Vaginal or vulvar hematomas, extremely rare in women without bleeding disorders, are not uncommon. Although women with VWD are at risk for the same obstetric and gynecologic problems that affect all women, they appear to be disproportionately affected by conditions that manifest with bleeding.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completion of this article, the reader should be able to recall that Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is a common inherited disease, especially in women with menorrhagia; state that prophylaxis therapies against bleeding in pregnant and nonpregnant women are available; and explain that, despite prophylaxis, miscarriage and bleeding complications can still occur.

More than menorrhagia: a review of the obstetric and gynaecological manifestations of bleeding disorders

In women, menorrhagia may be the most common manifestation of a bleeding disorder, but it is not the only reproductive tract abnormality that women with bleeding disorders experience. Women with bleeding disorders appear to be at an increased risk of developing haemorrhagic ovarian cysts and possibly endometriosis. As they grow older, they may be more likely to manifest conditions, which present with bleeding such as fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia and polyps. Women with bleeding disorders are more likely to undergo a hysterectomy and are more likely to have the operation at a younger age. During pregnancy, they may be at greater risk of miscarriage and bleeding complications. At the time of childbirth, women with bleeding disorders appear to be more likely to experience postpartum haemorrhage, particularly delayed or secondary postpartum haemorrhage. Vaginal or vulvar haematomas, extremely rare in women without bleeding disorders, are not uncommon. While women with bleeding disorders are at risk for the same obstetrical and gynaecological problems that affect all women, they appear to be disproportionately affected by conditions that manifest with bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia in the parturient

Thrombocytopenia in pregnant women can be associated with substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity. It may result from a range of conditions and early implementation of some specific treatment may improve both maternal and neonatal outcome. In this review we discuss the clinical features of the more common causes of thrombocytopenia associated with pregnancy, and provide an overview of the anaesthetic considerations.

Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management

Thrombocytopenia in pregnant women may result from a number of diverse etiologies. While some of these are not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, others are associated with substantial maternal and/or neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, specific therapies, if instituted promptly, may significantly improve the outcomes of affected patients and their offspring. Since the clinical features of many of these disorders often overlap, identifying a specific cause of thrombocytopenia in a pregnant patient may be difficult. However, through familiarity with the more common clinical and laboratory features of each of these disorders, accurate diagnosis may be achieved, and appropriate treatment instituted in most cases. In this review, we discuss the differential diagnosis of the more common causes of pregnancy-associated thrombocytopenia, and provide an overview of approaches to hematologic management.