Bleeding manifestations in males with von Willebrand disease

A need to increase von Willebrand disease awareness: vwdtest.com - A global initiative to help address this gap

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by quantitative or qualitative deficiencies in von Willebrand factor (VWF). People with VWD may experience excessive, recurrent or prolonged bleeding, particularly during menstruation, childbirth, surgery or following trauma. However, many VWD patients are undiagnosed, and therefore inadequately treated. Reasons for the underdiagnosis of VWD include its relatively mild symptoms, complex diagnosis, lack of awareness among non-specialist healthcare providers and the general population, and a lack of prioritisation of disorders disproportionately affecting females. The vwdtest.com platform was launched as part of a global initiative to raise awareness and improve diagnosis of VWD. Besides providing VWD-specific educational resources, the website includes an online bleeding self-assessment tool and offers diagnostic support for individuals, and their providers, who have a score suggestive of a bleeding disorder. vwdtest.com helps to address these unmet needs, especially in regions with limited access to educational and diagnostic resources.

Evaluation for Bleeding Disorders in Suspected Child Abuse

Bruising or bleeding in a child can raise the concern for child abuse. Assessing whether the findings are the result of trauma and/or whether the child has a bleeding disorder is critical. Many bleeding disorders are rare, and not every child with bruising/bleeding that may raise a concern for abuse requires an evaluation for bleeding disorders. However, in some instances, bleeding disorders can present in a manner similar to child abuse. Bleeding disorders cannot be ruled out solely on the basis of patient and family history, no matter how extensive. The history and clinical evaluation can be used to determine the necessity of an evaluation for a possible bleeding disorder, and prevalence and known clinical presentations of individual bleeding disorders can be used to guide the extent of laboratory testing. This clinical report provides guidance to pediatricians and other clinicians regarding the evaluation for bleeding disorders when child abuse is suspected.

Evaluating for Suspected Child Abuse: Conditions That Predispose to Bleeding

Child abuse might be suspected when children present with cutaneous bruising, intracranial hemorrhage, or other manifestations of bleeding. In these cases, it is necessary to consider medical conditions that predispose to easy bleeding or bruising. When evaluating for the possibility of bleeding disorders and other conditions that predispose to hemorrhage, it is important for pediatricians to consider the child's presenting history, medical history, and physical examination findings before initiating a laboratory investigation. Many medical conditions can predispose to easy bleeding. Before ordering laboratory tests for a disease, it is useful to understand the biochemical basis and clinical presentation of the disorder, condition prevalence, and test characteristics. This technical report reviews the major medical conditions that predispose to bruising or bleeding and should be considered when evaluating for abusive injury.

Occurrence rates of von Willebrand disease among people receiving care in specialized treatment centres in the United States

INTRODUCTION

In the network of U.S. comprehensive haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs), von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder other than haemophilia. Estimates of the size and characteristics of the VWD population receiving treatment are useful for healthcare planning.

AIM

Estimate the prevalence and incidence of VWD among males and females receiving care at U.S. HTCs (HTC-treated prevalence and incidence).

METHODS

During the period 2012-2019, de-identified surveillance data were collected on all VWD patients who visited an HTC including year of birth, sex, race, Hispanic ethnicity, VWD type, and laboratory findings and used to calculate period HTC-treated prevalence by VWD type and sex. Data from patients born 1995-1999 were used to estimate HTC-treated incidence rates.

RESULTS

During the period, 24,238 patients with a diagnosis of VWD attended HTCs; for 23,479 (96.9%), VWD type was reported or could be assigned. Age-adjusted HTC-treated prevalence was 8.6 cases/100,000 (7.2/100,000 for Type 1, 1.2/100,000 for Type 2 and 1.7/million for Type 3) and was twice as high in women as men (4.8 vs. 2.4 cases/100,000) for Type 1 and similar by sex for Type 2 and Type 3. HTC-treated Type 1 incidence increased over the period, averaging nearly threefold higher for women than men (26.2 vs. 9.9/100,000 live births). Sex differences were less for Type 2 (2.2 vs. 1.4 cases/100,000 births) and slight in Type 3.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence and incidence of HTC-treated VWD differ by sex and type and are likely strongly influenced by differences in rates of diagnosis.

Platelet function testing in patients with post-operative tonsillectomy bleeding may be a useful early identifier of inherited platelet function disorders

BACKGROUND

Post-tonsillectomy bleeding is the most frequent complication of tonsillectomy. Inherited platelet function disorders have an estimated prevalence of 1 per cent. Any association between post-tonsillectomy bleeds and undiagnosed inherited platelet function disorders has not been investigated before.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of inherited platelet function disorders in a cohort of post-tonsillectomy bleed patients.

METHODS

An observational cohort study was conducted using hospital digital records. Platelet function analyser 100 ('PFA-100') closure time was tested on post-tonsillectomy bleed patients who presented to hospital.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2017, 9 of 91 post-tonsillectomy bleed patients who underwent platelet function analyser 100 testing (9.89 per cent) had positive results. Five patients (5.49 per cent) had undiagnosed inherited platelet function disorders. Four patients had false positive results secondary to a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug effect (specificity of 95.3 per cent) proven by repeat testing six weeks later, off medication. The false negative rate was 0 per cent.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of inherited platelet function disorders in our post-tonsillectomy bleed cohort is five-fold higher than in the general population. Platelet function analyser 100 testing when patients present with a post-tonsillectomy bleed allows management of their inherited platelet function disorder.

Relevance of Abusive Head Trauma to Intracranial Hemorrhages and Bleeding Disorders

BACKGROUND

Bleeding disorders and abusive head trauma (AHT) are associated with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), including subdural hemorrhage (SDH). Because both conditions often present in young children, the need to screen for bleeding disorders would be better informed by data that include trauma history and are specific to young children. The Universal Data Collection database contains information on ICH in subjects with bleeding disorders, including age and trauma history. Study objectives were to (1) characterize the prevalence and calculate the probabilities of any ICH, traumatic ICH, and nontraumatic ICH in children with congenital bleeding disorders; (2) characterize the prevalence of spontaneous SDH on the basis of bleeding disorder; and (3) identify cases of von Willebrand disease (vWD) that mimic AHT.

METHODS

We reviewed subjects <4 years of age in the Universal Data Collection database. ICH was categorized on the basis of association with trauma. Prevalence and probability of types of ICH were calculated for each bleeding disorder.

RESULTS

Of 3717 subjects, 255 (6.9%) had any ICH and 206 (5.5%) had nontraumatic ICH. The highest prevalence of ICH was in severe hemophilia A (9.1%) and B (10.7%). Of the 1233 subjects <2 years of age in which the specific location of any ICH was known, 13 (1.1%) had spontaneous SDH (12 with severe hemophilia; 1 with type 1 vWD). The findings in the subject with vWD were not congruent with AHT.

CONCLUSIONS

In congenital bleeding disorders, nontraumatic ICH occurs most commonly in severe hemophilia. In this study, vWD is not supported as a "mimic" of AHT.

Validation Study of the Composite Score to Identify Von Willebrand Disease in Children

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) presents a diagnostic challenge in children. In fact, 25% or more of children with VWD may be diagnosed only after they experience postoperative bleeding. We previously described a 4-variable composite score that has 92.5% sensitivity and 95% specificity for diagnosing VWD in children with known VWD when 2 of 4 criteria are positive: (1) Tosetto bleeding score ≥ 1; (2) family history of VWD; (3) personal history of iron deficiency anemia; and/or (4) positive James early bleeding score. The purpose of this study was to prospectively validate a composite score of ≥ 2 for identifying children with VWD.

PROCEDURE

Children without a previously diagnosed bleeding disorder presenting for hematology evaluation were enrolled. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value of the composite score was determined.

RESULTS

A total of 193 subjects were enrolled from 12 participating centers were included in the analysis. Forty-seven children had type 1 VWD, including 11 with von Willebrand Ristocetin Cofactor (VWF):RCo < 30 IU/dL, 14 subjects with a VWF:RCo 30 to 39 IU/dL, and 22 with a VWF:RCo 40 to 49 IU/dL. Including all 4 variables, a composite score of ≥ 2 had a sensitivity of 63.6% to 76.0%, specificity of 33.5% to 35.1%, negative predictive value of 76.9% to 93.8%, and positive predictive value of 5.5% to 25%.

CONCLUSIONS

The negative predictive value of the composite score was robust, especially at lower VWF:RCo suggesting that VWD testing could be eliminated in nearly a third of children referred for VWD testing.

Joint bleeds in von Willebrand disease patients have significant impact on quality of life and joint integrity: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Joint bleeds (JB) are reported in a minority of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) but may lead to structural joint damage. Prevalence, severity and impact of JB in VWD are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess JB prevalence, onset, treatment and impact on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and joint integrity in moderate and severe VWD.

METHODS

In the Willebrand in the Netherlands study 804 moderate and severe VWD patients [von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity ≤30U dL(-1)] completed a questionnaire on occurrence, sites and consequences of JB. To analyse JB number, onset, treatment and impact on joint integrity we additionally performed a patient-control study on medical file data comparing patients with JB to age, gender, factor VIII (FVIII)- and VWF activity matched VWD patients without JB.

RESULTS

Of all VWD patients 23% (184/804) self-reported JB. These 184 patients reported joint damage more often (54% vs. 18%, P < 0.001) and had lower HR-QoL (SF36, P < 0.05) compared to VWD patients not reporting JB. Of 55 patients with available JB data, 65% had the first JB before age 16. These 55 patients used more clotting factor concentrate (CFC; median dose 43 vs. 0 IE FVIII kg(-1) year(-1) , P < 0.001), more often had X-ray joint damage (44% vs. 11%, P = 0.001] and chronic joint pain (44% vs. 18%, P = 0.008) compared to 55 control VWD patients without JB.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, joint bleeds are reported by 23% of moderate and severe VWD patients, mostly start in childhood, are associated with more CFC use, joint pain, lower HR-QoL and significantly more radiological and self-reported joint damage.

An update on type 2B von Willebrand disease

Type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD) accounts for fewer than 5% of all VWD patients. In this disease, mutations in the A1 domain result in increased von Willebrand factor (VWF) binding to platelet GPIbα receptors, causing increased platelet clearance and preferential loss of high molecular weight VWF multimers. Diagnosis is complicated because of significant clinical variations even among patients with identical mutations. Platelet transfusion often provides suboptimal results since transfused platelets may be aggregated by the patients' abnormal VWF. Desmopressin may cause a transient decrease in platelet count that could lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Replacement therapy with factor VIII/VWF concentrates is the most effective approach to prevention and treatment of bleeding in type 2B VWD.

Evaluating for suspected child abuse: conditions that predispose to bleeding

Child abuse might be suspected when children present with cutaneous bruising, intracranial hemorrhage, or other manifestations of bleeding. In these cases, it is necessary to consider medical conditions that predispose to easy bleeding/bruising. When evaluating for the possibility of bleeding disorders and other conditions that predispose to hemorrhage, the pediatrician must consider the child's presenting history, medical history, and physical examination findings before initiating a laboratory investigation. Many medical conditions can predispose to easy bleeding. Before ordering laboratory tests for a disease, it is useful to understand the biochemical basis and clinical presentation of the disorder, condition prevalence, and test characteristics. This technical report reviews the major medical conditions that predispose to bruising/bleeding and should be considered when evaluating for abusive injury.

Evaluation for bleeding disorders in suspected child abuse

Bruising or bleeding in a child can raise the concern for child abuse. Assessing whether the findings are the result of trauma and/or whether the child has a bleeding disorder is critical. Many bleeding disorders are rare, and not every child with bruising/bleeding concerning for abuse requires an evaluation for bleeding disorders. In some instances, however, bleeding disorders can present in a manner similar to child abuse. The history and clinical evaluation can be used to determine the necessity of an evaluation for a possible bleeding disorder, and prevalence and known clinical presentations of individual bleeding disorders can be used to guide the extent of the laboratory testing. This clinical report provides guidance to pediatricians and other clinicians regarding the evaluation for bleeding disorders when child abuse is suspected.

Flexible ureteroscopy in children with von Willebrand disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Treatment options for urolithiasis include shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrostolithotomy (PCNL), and ureteroscopy. While these treatment options are becoming the standard of care in the pediatric population, children with a bleeding dyscrasia must be approached differently. We report our flexible ureteroscopic experience in children with von Willebrand disease (vWd).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A review of a prospectively maintained database of stone patients was performed. Children with a bleeding diathesis were identified. Stone burden, operative access, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, stone-free status, and perioperative medical management were evaluated.

RESULTS

During a 7-year period, a total of five children with a bleeding disorder underwent 7 ureteroscopic and 10 cystoscopic procedures for urinary calculi. The mean patient age was 72.4 months (range 49-123 mos) at the time of the procedure. There were three boys and two girls. Mean follow-up was 29.7 months (range 8-79 mos). Mean stone burden was 6.1 mm (range 3-14 mm) with an average of 1.3 stones per patient. Four patients were known to have vWd before surgical intervention and were pretreated with desmopressin acetate. The remaining patient was found to have vWd based on significant bleeding after ureteral stent placement. No ureters were actively dilated. Flexible ureteroscopy was performed in all cases regardless of stone location. Stone clearance was 100% (7/7). Complications occurred in 6% of procedures (1/17).

CONCLUSIONS

Ureteroscopy is a safe and efficacious modality in the management of urolithiasis in children with a bleeding abnormality. Perioperative medical management of the bleeding diathesis may help reduce complications.

Two cases of peritonsillar abscess complicated by von Willebrand disease

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a common hereditary bleeding disorder resulting from a quantitative and/or qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (vWF). We report two cases of peritonsillar abscess complicated by vWD. A 46-year-old Japanese man was intravenously administered factor VIII clotting antigen (500U×3 days)and platelet transfusion (10U), when before puncture was performed. After puncture, his symptoms promptly improved with the administration of the antibiotic doripenem (DRPM, 1.5g/day). He left our facility one week later and had no recurrence of symptoms. A 24-year-old Japanese woman was intravenously administered factor VIII clotting antigen (4500U×3 days) and desmopressin (DDAVP) before undergoing a puncture. Her symptoms promptly improved with DRPM treatment (1.5g/day). The patient left our facility one week later. However, the peritonsillar abscess recurred in three weeks. Afterwards, tonsillectomy was enforced three months later. Intravenous factor VIII clotting antigen (4500U×2 days) and platelet transfusion (10U×1 day) had been used before tonsillectomy. We therefore suggest that a peritonsillar abscess in patients with vWD can be safely treated by factor VIII clotting antigen and DDAVP at the appropriate disease stage and by performing paracentesis for the acute phase or tonsillectomy for the chronic phase.

[The significance of bleeding disorders in patients with epistaxis]

BACKGROUND

Epistaxis can have a variety of different local or systemic causes. It is the cardinal symptom of von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most frequent congenital bleeding disorder with a prevalence of approximately 1%. The usual routine coagulation screening tests (PT, APTT, platelet count) are not sufficient to diagnose VWD, factor XIII (FXIII)-deficiency or platelet dysfunction.

METHOD

A prospective study was conducted implementing enhanced coagulation screening for bleeding disorders in a total of 100 inpatients admitted for epistaxis.

RESULTS

A bleeding disorder was found in 13%. In eight patients VWD was diagnosed, in six patients FXIII-deficiency was found, and in one patient both.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of bleeding disorders in patients with epistaxis is higher than in the general population. Epistaxis can be the primary symptom of chronic inflammatory disease or malignant disease. A thorough anamnesis is necessary and in cases of doubt additional testing for underlying disorders is recommended.

von Willebrand's disease diagnosis and laboratory issues

SUMMARY

In this paper, the recent developments in the diagnosis and laboratory issues of von Willebrand's disease (VWD) are presented. Dr. Castaman reviews the functional tests available for the diagnosis of VWD and their pathophysiological significance, focusing on which tests are best used in the diagnosis and classification of VWD. Dr Montgomery reviews an emerging issue that is accelerated clearance of von Willebrand factor (VWF) occurring in some variants of VWD. This phenotype can be suspected by the presence of an increased ratio between the VWF propeptide and the VWF antigen. These patients have typically a robust, but short-lived increase of FVIII and VWF after desmopressin. Dr Meschengieser reviews the determinants of bleeding after surgery in patients with VWD, emphasizing the role of bleeding history in predicting this risk.

Descriptive epidemiology of hemophilia and other coagulation disorders in mansoura, egypt: retrospective analysis

Hemophilia represent the most severe inherited bleeding disorder (INB), it's thought to affect inviduals from all geographical areas in equal frequency. In Egypt which has a population of approximately (80million) consanguineous marriage are frequent, therefore autosomal recessive coagulation disorders reach a higher prevalence than in many other countries.The primary aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological situation of hemophilia in Mansoura, Egypt, as based on retrospective analysis of clinical records Mansoura University Children Hospital between years 2000 and 2008. The second aim was to assess the orthopedic complications and occurrence of hepatitis C in those patients and relate this status to the type of replacement therapy received prior to the study.The study included 72 children with hematological disorders registered from 2000 to 2008 in MUCH. The hemophilic patient was defined as a person with physician-diagnosed hemophilia A or B and a measured factor VIII or IX activity level of 30% or less. Persons with acquired inhibitors of FVIII or FIX excluded. Severity level was categorized as mild if the factor activity level was 6-30%, moderate if 1-5% and severe if <1% of normal.The severe presentation represents the majority in 76.7% followed by moderate severity in 17.2%. The commonest IBDs was hemophilia A affecting 44 patients, followed by Hemophilia B affecting 15 patients. The rare types were Factor XI deficiency, Factor V deficiency, Factor VII deficiency and combined FVIII, FIX and FX deficiency. The commonest orthopedic manifestation needing therapy was found among hemophilia A representing 8.3%. Hepatitis C viremia detected by PCR was found in 11.1% of patients. The bleeding complications as hematoma or hemarthrosis were the common complications. Nevertheless, 44.4% of patients had no complications, From this study we can conclude that the most common IBDs in our locality is hemophilia A followed by hemophilia B. The common presenting symptom was bleeding following male circumcision. Hepatitis C infection and arthropathy represented the main complications. The discovery of IBDs in young age children with proper supportive therapy could prevent arthropathy. Proper screening of blood and blood products reduce the risk of viral hepatitis and HIV acquisition.

Pediatric otolaryngologic manifestations of bleeding disorders

OBJECTIVE

In 1930, considering the diseases of the blood and lymphatic glands in relation to otolaryngology, Goldsmith and McGregor stated that "... the otolaryngologist has frequently to deal with bleeding from the nose and throat ...". After approximately 8 decades, in particular preoperatively, the use of universal coagulation screening in children is still controversial. Aim of the present review was to offer a concise but complete discussion of clotting disorders with pediatric otolaryngological interest recognizing: (i) vascular disorders, (ii) platelet disorders, (iii) disorders of coagulation, and (iv) thrombosis.

METHODS

An exhaustive review of literature was performed to investigate available data and evidences regarding pediatric otolaryngologic manifestations of bleeding disorders.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Modern otolaryngologists should be familiar with common bleeding disorders since many have head and neck manifestations. This knowledge allows the choice of appropriate pre-operative screening of surgical patients. The most important component of the preoperative assessment is the bleeding history that directs further laboratory evaluation. All otolaryngologic surgical procedures in children with bleeding disorders should be carried out with the close co-operation of the Haematology Department.

Undetected factor VIII in a patient with type 3 von Willebrands disease mistaken as severe haemophilia A

von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 3 is a rare disorder characterized by absent or <0.1 UmL(-1) of ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo), and a very low level of factor VIII (FVIII:C). A total absence of FVIII:C has never been reported in type 3 VWD. This case illustrates the effect of severe von Willebrand factor (VWF) deficiency on the factor VIII level.

Surgery in patients with vascular malformations of the head and neck: value of coagulation disorders

Objectives

The surgical treatment of congenital vascular malformations always bears the risk of severe bleeding. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of haemostatic abnormalities in patients with congenital vascular malformations of the head and neck which could additionally complicate the complex surgery of vascular malformations.

Methods

Thirteen patients with congenital vascular malformations of the head and neck, who underwent scheduled surgery, were reviewed regarding their haemostatic tests, including prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, platelet count, platelet function analyzer-epinephrine (PFA-Epi) and -adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (PFA-100®), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and D-dimers.

Results

In six of 13 patients an impaired primary haemostasis was detected by prolonged PFA-Epi and one of these patients also had a slightly prolonged PFA-ADP. Additionally, two of the patients showed mild coagulation factor deficiency. One patient had a mild vWF deficiency that was not detected by PFA-100®.

Conclusion

Prior to surgery of congenital vascular malformations of the head and neck, a detailed coagulation analysis is needed in order to identify those patients at increased risk of bleeding. This proceeding is supported by the fact that a relevant portion of the patients with congenital vascular malformations of the head and neck show an impaired primary haemostasis.

The spectrum of inherited bleeding disorders in pediatrics

Inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) are caused by quantitative and qualitative alterations of either platelets or plasma proteins involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis. Hemophilias are the most frequent IBDs; however, accumulated data from various studies reported that von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common cause of IBD, with an increased incidence of platelet function defects, mostly due to the increased rate of consanguinity in some communities. VWD is an inherited disorder of homeostasis due to quantitative or qualitative defect of von Willebrand factor. Data on its epidemiology and impact in developing countries are limited. The objective of this study was to assess the local prevalence of some IBD and establish the clinical and historical variables that are predictive for those bleeding disorders in pediatrics. The study involved 43 children with various bleeding manifestations and 15 age- and sex-matched controls, recruited from the Pediatrics Hematology Clinic at the National Research Centre, Sausan Mubarek children's hospital in Cairo, Egypt and the King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hematological profile included platelet counts and function, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, factor VIII antigen and its activity, factor IX antigen and its activity, von Willebrand factor and its activity assayed with multimeric analysis. A total of 12 (27.9%) children had VWD, 11 (25.5%) had hemophilia A, three (7%) had hemophilia B, seven (16.3%) had platelet dysfunction and 10 (23.3%) had bleeding with undiagnosed cause. Two of the VWD cases had type I, three had type II, four had type III and one case appeared to have type IIM and another to have IIB VWD. Bruising and epistaxis were the main symptoms in all children with VWD The majority of platelet dysfunction disorders were diagnosed as Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. VWD and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia should be considered not uncommon causes of IBDs in children in Egypt and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Routine hematological screening should be mandatory in children with positive family history of bruising and bleeding as a predictor for IBD.

[Current aspects in epistaxis]

A survey of current literature on the topic of epistaxis revealed only a circumscript number of publications with a high methodologic value. The analysis of these publications showed that there is a controversy on the necessity of routine coagulation tests in epistaxis patients. These tests should only be performed in cases with clinical evidence of a coagulation disorder. Also, there is an ongoing controversy on the value of local cooling with ice or cold packs. Nasal creams and decongestive nose drops have been found to be effective in uncomplicated epistaxis. Rhinoscopically and endoscopically targeted coagulation of bleeding vessels and nasal packing are recommended treatment options. There is a debate on discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy, if INR is within normal limits in Cumadin patients. Intractable epistaxis requires a broad armamentarium of different diagnostic and therapeutic options. Recurrent epistaxis in hereditary syndromes remains to be a challenge, although some advances have been made in diagnosis and symptomatic treatment. Some new medical drugs, as Viagra or Cialis may have nosebleeds as side-effects.

Is the activated partial thromboplastin time suitable to screen for von Willebrand factor deficiencies?

The diagnostic approach to von Willebrand factor deficiencies is challenging and requires discretionary use of laboratory resources. Although extensive preoperative testing is not recommended, the activated partial thromboplastin time may be useful, especially in selected categories of patients. To establish the diagnostic sensitivity of this test to identify isolate von Willebrand factor deficiencies, 204 consecutive patients underwent a routine preoperative screening consisting of activated partial thromboplastin time, von Willebrand factor antigen, intrinsic pathway clotting factors activity, lupus anticoagulants and thrombin time. Thirty-seven patients were diagnosed with haemostasis disturbances other than von Willebrand factor deficiencies and were excluded from the evaluation. Isolated von Willebrand factor deficiency was diagnosed in 11 of the remaining 167 patients. A significant correlation was observed between von Willebrand factor antigen and activated partial thromboplastin time. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.982 (95% confidence interval: 0.972-0.992; P < 0.001). At the 1.17 upper limit of the activated partial thromboplastin time, sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 85%, respectively, with negative and positive predictive values of 100 and 31%, respectively. These results demonstrate that activated partial thromboplastin time has an excellent diagnostic sensitivity and a satisfactory specificity for identifying isolated von Willebrand factor deficiencies.

Perioperative management of von Willebrand disease in dermatologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting an estimated 0.1% to 1% of the population. It is caused by a qualitative or quantitative defect of von Willebrand factor. Primary manifestations include intractable mucocutaneous bleeding after surgery or trauma.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to review the pathophysiology and clinical features of VWD and to propose a perioperative management strategy for patients with this condition undergoing dermatologic surgery.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Literature is reviewed.

RESULTS

The various types and clinical manifestations of this condition are reviewed, and a perioperative strategy is presented for managing patients with VWD who undergo cutaneous oncologic or cosmetic surgical procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In most cases, dermatologic surgery can be safely performed in patients with VWD. The use of appropriate therapeutic prophylaxis in conjunction with a hematologist is indicated in high-risk, nonelective procedures.

von Willebrand Disease Associated with Superficial Temporal Artery Pseudoaneurysm

We report on two patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD) that presented with superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms following minor blunt trauma. We discuss the possible pathophysiological link between vWD and blood vessel abnormalities. The cases highlight the importance of considering the diagnosis of vWD in patients presenting with pseudoaneurysm.

Diagnosis and Management of Mild Bleeding Disorders

Mild bleeding disorders are a common reason for a referral to a hematologist and these conditions can be challenging to evaluate. Recent research has highlighted that some bleeding symptoms are quite common in the general population and that there is clinical variability in symptom expression among individuals with defined bleeding problems. Moreover, bleeding risks for many bleeding disorders are unknown. This article reviews symptoms and problems that can be considered suspicious of a mild form of bleeding disorder and the diagnostic investigations useful to evaluate these problems. A stepwise approach is presented for the diagnostic evaluation, to allow detection of common and rare coagulation and fibrinolytic defects, and adequate assessments of potential von Willebrand factor and platelet problems. Some common problems in the diagnosis and management of mild bleeding problems are reviewed, including the common failure to establish a diagnosis with testing. An approach is proposed for translation of knowledge to patients who are challenged by mild bleeding problems.