von Willebrand Disease and Pregnancy

Abstract

von Willebrand Disease (vWD) affects approximately 1% of Americans and as many as 25% of women referred for evaluation of menorrhagia. We briefly review the history of vWD, its molecular defects, and diagnostic criteria for each subtype of disease. We also address obstetric management of the patient with vWD. While there is a significant increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage, patients with vWD should not be discouraged to undertake pregnancy.

Key Words:

• von Willebrand disease
• vWD
• von Willebrand factor
• vWF
• coagulopathy