Von Willebrand disease is a blood disorder that is almost always inherited, passed from parents to their children through genes. Because it’s a genetic condition someone is born with, there is no way to prevent the disease, so scientists are constantly investigating ways that the disease can be stopped before it passes to the next generation.
At the OSUCCC – James, expert researchers continually focus on studying blood diseases and prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. In fact, the OSUCCC – James is consistently paving the way in leading-edge therapies and discoveries, leading to even more highly targeted care and treatment.
Couple that with world-renowned diagnostic experts and the most advanced diagnostic techniques to enable physicians to detect von Willebrand disease as early as possible, and patients are experiencing improved outcomes, faster responses to treatment and fewer side effects.
Risk Factors
Anything that increases the chances of having von Willebrand disease is a risk factor. Because it is usually an inherited disorder, it is handed down through parents’ genes.
- Patients can inherit Type 1 or Type 2 VWD even if only one parent passes on the gene.
- Patients usually inherit Type 3 VWD only if both parents pass on the gene.
- Some patients develop VWD later in life as a result of other medical conditions (this is called Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome).
It’s important to note that your symptoms may be different from your parents' symptoms. Additionally, some people have the genes for VWD but don't have symptoms. Even without symptoms, however, it’s still possible to pass the genes on to your children.
(Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
If you’ve been diagnosed with von Willebrand disease, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a blood disorder specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.