Diagnostics and treatment of prolonged menstrual bleedings in girls with von Willebrand disease

Streszczenie

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder which often remains undiagnosed despite pronounced symptoms such as recurrent nose and gum bleeds, easy bruising and prolonged menstrual bleedings [1, 2]. Acute anemia related to blood loss and iron deficiency is one of the most common consequences of VWD. In this paper we present cases of teenager and adult women who suffered from prolonged bleeds despite antifibrinolytic agents and hormonal treatment. This led to acute anemia which required multiple transfusions of red blood cell concentrate. The observed symptoms prompted extended diagnostics which led to VWD. Following implementation of periodic prophylaxis with VWF/FVIII concentrate the symptoms were alleviated.