von Willebrand disease: advances in pathogenetic understanding, diagnosis, and therapy

Abstract von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common autosomally inherited bleeding disorder. The disease represents a range of quantitative and qualitative pathologies of the adhesive glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF). The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the type 2 qualitative variants of VWF are now well characterized, with most mutations representing missense substitutions influencing VWF multimer structure and interactions with platelet GPIbα and collagen and with factor VIII. The molecular pathology of type 3 VWD has been similarly well characterized, with an array of different mutation types producing either a null phenotype or the production of VWF that is not secreted. In contrast, the pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for type 1 VWD remain only partially resolved. In the hemostasis laboratory, the measurement of VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo are key components in the diagnostic algorithm for VWD, although the introduction of direct GPIbα-binding assays may become the functional assay of choice. Molecular genetic testing can provide additional benefit, but its utility is currently limited to type 2 and 3 VWD. The treatment of bleeding in VWD involves the use of desmopressin and plasma-derived VWF concentrates and a variety of adjunctive agents. Finally, a new recombinant VWF concentrate has just completed clinical trial evaluation and has demonstrated excellent hemostatic efficacy and safety.

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Toward Personalized Treatment for Patients with Low von Willebrand Factor and Quantitative von Willebrand Disease

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1722864 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 47 (02) ◽

pp. 192-200

Author(s):

James S. O'Donnell

Keyword(s):

Von Willebrand Factor ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

Personalized Treatment ◽

Treatment Plans ◽

Type 3 ◽

Von Willebrand ◽

Willebrand Factor

AbstractThe biological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 and type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) have been studied extensively. In contrast, although accounting for the majority of VWD cases, the pathobiology underlying partial quantitative VWD has remained somewhat elusive. However, important insights have been attained following several recent cohort studies that have investigated mechanisms in patients with type 1 VWD and low von Willebrand factor (VWF), respectively. These studies have demonstrated that reduced plasma VWF levels may result from either (1) decreased VWF biosynthesis and/or secretion in endothelial cells and (2) pathological increased VWF clearance. In addition, it has become clear that some patients with only mild to moderate reductions in plasma VWF levels in the 30 to 50 IU/dL range may have significant bleeding phenotypes. Importantly in these low VWF patients, bleeding risk fails to correlate with plasma VWF levels and inheritance is typically independent of the VWF gene. Although plasma VWF levels may increase to > 50 IU/dL with progressive aging or pregnancy in these subjects, emerging data suggest that this apparent normalization in VWF levels does not necessarily equate to a complete correction in bleeding phenotype in patients with partial quantitative VWD. In this review, these recent advances in our understanding of quantitative VWD pathogenesis are discussed. Furthermore, the translational implications of these emerging findings are considered, particularly with respect to designing personalized treatment plans for VWD patients undergoing elective procedures.

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Mutation distribution in the von Willebrand factor gene related to the different von Willebrand disease (VWD) types in a cohort of VWD patients

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th12-02-0089 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 108 (10) ◽

pp. 662-671 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Hamideh Yadegari ◽

Julia Driesen ◽

Anna Pavlova ◽

Arijit Biswas ◽

Hans-Jörg Hertfelder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Von Willebrand Factor ◽

Splice Site ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

Missense Mutations ◽

Large Deletions ◽

Type 3 ◽

Von Willebrand ◽

Willebrand Factor

SummaryVon Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder caused by quantitative or qualitative defects of the von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD is classified into three types – type 1 (partial quantitative deficiencies), type 2 (qualitative defects) and type 3 (complete deficiency of VWF). In this study we explored genotype and phenotype characteristics of patients with VWD with the aim of dissecting the distribution of mutations in different types of VWD. One hundred fourteen patients belonging to 78 families diagnosed to have VWD were studied. Mutation analysis was performed by direct sequencing of the VWF. Large deletions were investigated by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. The impact of novel candidate missense mutations and potential splice site mutations was predicted by in silico assessments. We identified mutations in 66 index patients (IPs) (84.6%). Mutation detection rate was 68%, 94% and 94% for VWD type 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In total, 68 different putative mutations were detected comprising 37 missense mutations (54.4%), 10 small deletions (14.7%), two small insertions (2.9%), seven nonsense mutations (10.3%), five splice-site mutations (7.4%), six large deletions (8.8%) and one silent mutation (1.5%). Twenty-six of these mutations were novel. Furthermore, in type 1 and type 2 VWD, the majority of identified mutations (74% vs. 88.1%) were missense substitutions while mutations in type 3 VWD mostly caused null alleles (82%). Genotyping in VWD is a helpful tool to further elucidate the pathogenesis of VWD and to establish the relationship between genotype and phenotype.

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Alloantibodies in von Willebrand Disease

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1607440 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 44 (06) ◽

pp. 590-594 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Massimo Franchini ◽

Pier Mannucci

Keyword(s):

Von Willebrand Factor ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

Partial Type ◽

Hemophilia Treatment Centers ◽

Type 3 ◽

Von Willebrand ◽

Willebrand Factor ◽

Total Type

Abstractvon Willebrand disease (VWD), the most commonly known inherited bleeding disorder, is caused by a partial (type 1) or total (type 3) deficiency or dysfunction (type 2) of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Its management encompasses the prevention or treatment of bleeding by raising endogenous VWF levels using a synthetic agent, such as desmopressin, or providing exogenous VWF concentrates. The development of inhibitory alloantibodies against VWF is a rare but often severe complication encountered during the treatment of type 3 VWD, which is associated with a lack of hemostatic response to infused VWF concentrates and more rarely with allergic, even anaphylactic, reactions. This narrative review will focus on the characteristics of such alloantibodies and their management, which can be very challenging for physicians operating at hemophilia treatment centers.

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Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Von Willebrand disease

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2017-05-782029 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 130 (22) ◽

pp. 2386-2391 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Ruchika Sharma ◽

Veronica H. Flood

Keyword(s):

Treatment Options ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Binding Assays ◽

Laboratory Assessment ◽

Von Willebrand ◽

Willebrand Factor

Abstract Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, yet diagnosis and management remain challenging. Development and use of bleeding assessment tools allows for improved stratification of which patients may require further assessment and which patients are most likely to require treatment of their VWD. New options for laboratory assessment of von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity include a new platelet-binding assay, the VWF:GPIbM, which is subject to less variability than the ristocetin cofactor activity assay, and collagen-binding assays that provide insight into a different function of VWF. Genetic testing may be helpful in some cases where a type 2 VWD variant is suspected but is usually not helpful in type 1 VWD. Finally, treatment options for VWD are reviewed, including the use of recombinant VWF. Despite these advances, still more work is required to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for affected patients.

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Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Von Willebrand disease

Hematology ◽

10.1182/asheducation-2017.1.379 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 (1) ◽

pp. 379-384 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Ruchika Sharma ◽

Veronica H. Flood

Keyword(s):

Treatment Options ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Binding Assays ◽

Laboratory Assessment ◽

Von Willebrand ◽

Willebrand Factor

Abstract Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, yet diagnosis and management remain challenging. Development and use of bleeding assessment tools allows for improved stratification of which patients may require further assessment and which patients are most likely to require treatment of their VWD. New options for laboratory assessment of von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity include a new platelet-binding assay, the VWF:GPIbM, which is subject to less variability than the ristocetin cofactor activity assay, and collagen-binding assays that provide insight into a different function of VWF. Genetic testing may be helpful in some cases where a type 2 VWD variant is suspected but is usually not helpful in type 1 VWD. Finally, treatment options for VWD are reviewed, including the use of recombinant VWF. Despite these advances, still more work is required to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for affected patients.

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Prophylaxis in von Willebrand Disease: Coming of Age?

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0036-1581106 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 42 (05) ◽

pp. 498-506 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Giorgia Saccullo ◽

Mike Makris

Keyword(s):

Coming Of Age ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

The Past ◽

Patients Experience ◽

Type 3 ◽

Von Willebrand ◽

Willebrand Factor

Although in most cases von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a mild disorder, a subgroup of patients experience frequent bleeding. In contrast to severe hemophilia in which prophylaxis is the accepted standard of care, this is less frequently used in VWD. Most type 1 VWD patients can be adequately managed with episodic desmopressin and tranexamic acid. In patients with more severe disease, especially those with type 3 VWD, joint bleeds, epistaxis, menorrhagia, and gastrointestinal bleeding are problematic and usually require treatment with von Willebrand factor/factor VIII (VWF/FVIII) concentrate. While in the past these patients were managed with on-demand VWF/FVIII concentrate, several recent reports have demonstrated the value of prophylactic treatment. Despite some uncertainties about the economic impact of treatment of severe VWD, prophylaxis with VWF concentrate should now be considered as the standard of care for the more severe end of the spectrum of affected individuals. The recent introduction of recombinant VWF concentrate is likely to improve the acceptability of prophylaxis in VWD.

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Wish-Qol Study - Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Health-Economic Aspects in Patients with Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) in France: Results of the Women Cohort

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1395.1395 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 1395-1395

Author(s):

Annie Borel-Derlon ◽

Jenny Goudemand ◽

Dominique Desprez ◽

Fabienne Volot ◽

Yves Gruel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Interim Analysis ◽

Research Funding ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

Female Group ◽

Bleeding Score ◽

Type 3 ◽

Von Willebrand

Abstract Background: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder with a prevalence of 1% in the general population. VWD results from a deficiency in or a dysfunction of von Willebrand factor which is a protein that is necessary for normal platelet adhesion and protection of factor VIII from proteolysis in the circulation. Nevertheless, prevalence of the most symptomatic forms such as bleeds requiring replacement treatment and /or hospitalization is about 0.01%. Although VWD affects both genders, there is a higher proportion in females than in males.VWD seems to be more symptomatic in women because of their reproductive life. Women with VWD have an increased bleeding risk in numerous situations including anemia, menorrhagia, bleeding during pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage and impairments in their quality of life (QoL).The prevalence of menorrhagia in women with VWD is 74-92%. According to the Francecoag Network, the referral-based prevalence of moderate-to-severe VWD patients is about 1,750 cases in France. Aim: Since the disease and its treatment can affect every-day life of patients and their families, a French HRQoL Study (WiSH-QoL) exploring this impact started 22 months ago. Methods: This non-interventional 5-year study evaluates patients HRQoL and costs of care in France. At least 350 patients will be followed for 24 months in minimum 30 centers. HRQoL is assessed with the generic SF-36 and the disease-specific VWD-QoL questionnaires. Bleeding severity was measured using the Tosetto Bleeding Score (BS). Results: Since October 2014, 245 patients have been included. We present here the first interim analysis with a focus on the female group. At the first interim analysis, data from 140 patients were documented: 91 adults with a median age of 40.0 years [18.3-78.0] and 49 children with a median age of 10.1 years [2.9-17.5]. VWD Types were already identified for 122 (87%) of these patients: 33 with VWD type 1 (27%) including 5 type 1 Vicenza; 76 type 2 (62%) and 13 type 3 (11%). The median Tosetto bleeding score reported for 124 patients (males and females) was +7 ranging from -1 to +28. From the 95 female patients, 70 were aged ≥18 years, 21 were adolescents between 8-17 years and 4 were girls below 4 years of age. Median age was 29.4 (range 4.3-78.0) years. A total of 25 women had type 1 VWD (31%), 49 had type 2 VWD (60%), and 7 had type 3 VWD (9%), for 14 patients VWD type is undetermined. The median Tosetto bleeding score of the female group was +8 ranging from -1 to +28. Out of 95 patients, 45 patients (47.4%) have received a concomitant treatment due to menorrhagia, such as iron therapy, oral contraceptive, levonorgestrel intrauterin system: 5/21 patients in the group between 8 and 17 years and 40/70 in the group ≥18 years. Out of the 60 women of childbearing potential defined as age between 15-50 years, 6 women were pregnant at time of inclusion. A total of 46 patients, aged 18 years or more have had obstetrical history prior to study inclusion. The mean number of childbirth was more than 2 i.e 2.39 range (1-8) per woman, 75% of these deliveries were natural delivery and 25% were caesarean section. Out of 108 deliveries, 28 (26%) were experienced with post-partum hemorrhages. Conclusions: With the results of the WiSH-QoL study, the first prospective study of von Willebrand disease conducted in France, especially the VWD-specific evaluation of HRQoL and treatment satisfaction a deeper insight will be gathered into the patients' daily life, their perception of well-being and their specific health care needs. With the additional domain 'pregnancy' included in the French version of the VWD-QoL questionnaire for female adult patients, it will possible to better understand how women may be affected by VWD during childbearing years. Disclosures Borel-Derlon: LFB: Other: Reference expert and national coordinator for VWD; Octapharma: Research Funding; NovoNordisk: Other: Expert for scientific committee; Shire - Baxalta: Research Funding. Chatelanaz:LFB Biomedicaments: Employment. Doriat-Robin:LFB Biomedicaments: Employment. von Mackensen:SOBI: Research Funding; Shire: Research Funding.

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Semiautomatic VWF Multimer Densitometric Analysis: Validation of the Clinical Accuracy and Clinical Implications in Von Willebrand Disease

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-142287 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 15-16

Author(s):

Ferdows Atiq ◽

Johan Boender ◽

Marjon H. Cnossen ◽

Johanna G van der Bom ◽

Karin Fijnvandraat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Research Funding ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

Densitometric Analysis ◽

Travel Grant ◽

Bleeding Score ◽

Type 3 ◽

Von Willebrand

Introduction Von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimer analysis is an essential tool in the diagnosis and classification of von Willebrand disease (VWD). Current visual VWF multimer analysis is observer dependent, time consuming and is inaccurate in detecting subtle changes in multimer patterns. Therefore, recent studies have investigated VWF multimer quantification using semiautomatic densitometric analysis. The accuracy of VWF multimer densitometric analysis in clinical practice needs further investigation before it can be widely used. The aim of the study was to validate the accuracy of VWF multimer densitometric analysis in clinical practice. Additionally, we aimed to identify patient characteristics associated with VWF multimer densitometry outcomes in type 1 and type 2 VWD patients, and we investigated whether subtle differences in VWF multimer pattern are associated with the bleeding phenotype of VWD patients. Methods We included patients from the nationwide Willebrand in the Netherlands (WiN) study. The inclusion criteria of the WiN study were a personal hemorrhagic diathesis or family history of VWD, and historically lowest VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF activity (measured with the monoclonal antibody assay: VWF:Ab) or VWF collagen binding (VWF:CB) ≤0.30 IU/mL or FVIII activity (FVIII:C) ≤0.40 IU/mL in case of type 2N VWD. At inclusion in the WiN study, blood was drawn and patients filled in an extensive questionnaire containing a self-administered Tosetto bleeding score (BS). For multimer analysis, citrated blood samples were separated on 0.9% agarose gel and visualized by Western blotting. We used IMAGEJ for densitometric analysis. The five smallest bands on densitometric images were defined as small multimers, next five bands were defined as medium multimers and the remaining bands were defined as large multimers. Medium-large VWF multimer index was calculated by dividing the patient's multimer ratio (intensity of the medium and large multimers divided by the total intensity of all multimers) by the multimer ratio of a normal control in the same western blot. If no multimers could be detected, the multimer index was set as 0. Results We included 561 VWD patients: 328 type 1, 211 type 2 and 21 type 3 patients. The median age was 44 [IQR 29-58] and 351 patients (62.7%) were female (Table 1). Figure 1 illustrates typical densitometric outcomes of a type 1 VWD patient with normal VWF multimers (A) and a type 2A patient with reduced high-molecular-weight (HMW) VWF multimers (B). Medium-large VWF multimer index was 1.06 [0.99-1.12] in type 1 and 0.53 [0.29-0.89] in type 2 and 0.00 [0.00-0.00] in type 3 VWD. Medium-large VWF multimer index was in patients visually classified as normal, reduced and absent HMW VWF multimers, respectively 1.07 [1.02-1.12], 0.84 [0.71-0.91] and 0.31 [0.20-0.44] (p<0.001, Figure 2A). With visual examination as gold standard, medium-large VWF multimer index had a very good accuracy in distinguishing normal VWF multimers from reduced HMW VWF multimers (AUC: 0.96 (0.94-0.98) p<0.001, Figure 2B). It could also accurately distinguish reduced HMW VWF multimers from absence of HMW multimers, with an AUC of 0.95 (0.92-0.97, p<0.001), and type 2A and 2B from type 2M and 2N (AUC: 0.96 (0.94-0.99), p<0.001, Figure 2C and 2D). From VWF activity measurements, medium-large VWF multimer index was strongest correlated with VWF:CB (ρ=0.79, p<0.001). From the ratio of the various functional VWF measurements (divided by VWF:Ag), the strongest correlation was again found for VWF:CB/VWF:Ag ratio (ρ=0.80, p<0.001). In type 1 VWD, an increased clearance of VWF (defined as VWFpropeptide/VWF:Ag ratio ≥2.2) was independently associated with lower medium-large VWF multimer index (β=-0.10 (-0.14; -0.07), p<0.001). Also, type 1 VWD patients with a VWF gene variant had relatively lower medium-large VWF multimer index compared to type 1 patients without a VWF variant, respectively 1.03 [0.95-1.10] vs 1.08 [1.04-1.12] (p<0.001). In the total population, higher medium-large VWF multimer index was associated with a lower bleeding score: β=-4.6 (-7.2; -2.0), p=0.001, adjusted for age, sex, blood group and type of VWD. Conclusion Semiautomatic densitometric analysis of VWF multimers has an excellent accuracy in clinical practice, and may have an additional value in providing a better understanding of the clinical features such as the bleeding phenotype of VWD patients. Disclosures Atiq: CSL Behring: Research Funding; SOBI: Other: travel grant. Boender:SOBI: Current Employment; CSL Behring: Research Funding. Cnossen:Bayer: Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Research Funding; Nordic Pharma: Research Funding; Sobi: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; CSL behring: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Shire: Research Funding; Baxter: Research Funding. van der Bom:Bayer: Speakers Bureau. Fijnvandraat:SOBI: Research Funding; NovoNordisk: Consultancy; Grifols: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; CSL Behring: Research Funding; NovoNordisk: Research Funding. Van Galen:Bayer: Research Funding; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; CSL Behring: Research Funding. Laros-Van Gorkom:Baxter: Other: Educational grant; CSL Behring: Other: Educational grant. Meijer:Bayer: Research Funding; Sanquin: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bayer: Speakers Bureau; Sanquin: Speakers Bureau; Boehringer Ingelheim: Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Aspen: Speakers Bureau; Uniqure: Consultancy. Eikenboom:CSL Behring: Research Funding; Roche: Other: Teacher on educational activities. Leebeek:Roche: Other: DSMB member for a study; SOBI: Other: Travel grant; Novo Nordisk: Consultancy; Shire/Takeda: Consultancy; Uniqure: Consultancy; Shire/Takeda: Research Funding; CSL Behring: Research Funding.

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PFA-100 monitoring of von Willebrand factor (VWF) responses to desmopressin (DDAVP) and factor VIII/VWF concentrate substitution in von Willebrand disease type 1 and 2

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th07-08-0527 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 100 (09) ◽

pp. 462-468 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Huub H. D. M. van Vliet ◽

Mies C. Kappers-Klunne ◽

Jan J. Michiels ◽

Frank W. G. Leebeek

Keyword(s):

Von Willebrand Factor ◽

Von Willebrand Disease ◽

Response Relationship ◽

Dose Response Relationship ◽

Before And After ◽

Von Willebrand ◽

Willebrand Factor

SummaryDose-response relationship was studied between PFA-100 closure times (PFA CTs) and factor (F)VIII-von Willebrand factor (VWF) parameters in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 1 and type 2 before and after treatment with DDAVP (n=84) or FVIII/VWF concentrate (n=38). DDAVP treatment of patients with VWD type 1 normalised the PFA CTs by increasing VWF levels to normal. Of the 14 patients with VWD type 2, PFA CTs did not normalize in eight. Haemate-P substitution in patients with VWD type 1 induced a less favourable response as compared to DDAVP, because PFA CTs did not correct in all patients. Of 12 patients with VWD type 2 treated with Haemate-P, six showed a correction of PFA CTs (<250 sec), which correlated with the normalisation of the VWF CB/ Ag ratio. In-vitro studies were performed by using whole blood of patients with VWD and adding various amounts of FVIII/VWF concentrate. Addition of Haemate-P induced an increase of the VWF CB/Ag ratio from 0.30 to 0.70 in blood of patients with VWD type 2 with correction of the PFA CTs. Immunate did not result in an increase of VWF CB/Ag ratio in blood of VWD type 2 patients, and the PFA CTs remained prolonged. We conclude that PFA-100 might be an adequate instrument not only for diagnosis but also for monitoring of DDAVP responses and FVIII/ VWF substitution of patients with VWD type 1 and 2,but this is dependent upon the type of VWD and the concentrate used.

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