Clinical evaluation of Von Willebrand patients

Aim: Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is recognised as the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting approximately 1% of the population worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of bleeding, hospitalisation, treatment needs and types of treatment, and follow-up strategies of patients with VWD admitted to Dicle University Faculty of Medicine and to develop these strategies. Methods: Our study was retrospective, and the data were analysed through patient files and the hospital system. In addition, face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients who came to the control examination with symptoms, and telephone interviews were conducted with patients who could not come. Results: There were 71 patients in our study, and 70.4% of them were female. The mean age was calculated as 33.14±8.14 years. VWD type 1-2 was found in 73,2% of the patients, and VWD type 3 was found in 26,8%. Menorrhagia was found in 76% of the female patients. Gingival bleeding (45.1%) was the most common, and epistaxis (32.4%) was the second most common. Nosebleeds were more common in males (p=0.001). Female patients were older and had lower F8 levels (p<0.05). VWF and FVIII levels were lowest in type 3 patients (p<0.001). VWF and FVIII levels were significantly lower in hospitalised and treated patients (p<0.001). In addition, VWF and FVIII levels increased with increasing age (p<0.01), whereas VWF levels decreased with increasing duration of menstrual bleeding (p<0.001). Conclusion: We suggest developing a multidisciplinary approach, regular follow-up, treatment strategies according to the specific needs of the patients, and individual treatment plans for bleeding control for the management of VWD patients. Keywords: Von Willebrand Disease, Menorrhagia, Bleeding, Prevention