treatment
Last reviewed 01/2018
Treatment depends upon the severity of the disease.
Replacement therapy is advised for patients with severe von Willebrand's disease or for moderate or major surgery.
Replacement involves cryoprecipitate infusion or a Factor VIII concentrate of high purity. Cryoprecipitate contains all molecular forms of vWF and is a more effective treatment for vWD than are factor VIII concentrates. After infusion of cryoprecipitate there is a delayed secondary rise of factor VIIIc levels.
Alternatives to blood-component therapy include topical thrombin, tranexamic acid and DDAVP, a synthetic vasopressin.