What does a high von Willebrand antigen mean?
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a plasma glycoprotein that acts as carrier for factor VIII. Elevated levels of VWF are associated with elevated coagulation factor VIII levels. An increased VWF level in plasma is found to be associated with VTE [4, 5, 11, 13].
What is von Willebrand factor antigen?
A von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen test measures the amount of a clotting factor called von Willebrand factor. The body’s clotting factors work together in a special order, almost like pieces of a puzzle. When the last piece is in place, the clot develops.
What is the role of VWF?
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large multimeric glycoprotein that performs two critical functions in primary hemostasis: it acts as a bridging molecule at sites of vascular injury for normal platelet adhesion, and under high shear conditions, it promotes platelet aggregation.
How is von Willebrand factor activated?
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) activates in response to shear flow to initiate hemostasis, while aberrant activation could lead to thrombosis. Above a critical shear force, the A1 domain of VWF becomes activated and captures platelets via the GPIb-IX complex.
What blood test is used for von Willebrand disease?
The blood tests that a doctor can order to diagnose VWD (or another platelet disorder) include: Factor VIII clotting activity―To measure the amount of factor VIII in the blood. Von Willebrand factor antigen―To measure the amount of VWF in the blood.
Can you take ibuprofen with von Willebrand disease?
Treatment depends on the type of von Willebrand’s disease you have, how much you bleed, and your risk for heavy bleeding. You may need to: Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin, for example), and naproxen (Aleve).
What are the different types of von Willebrand disease?
There are three main types of VWD (VWD type 1, VWD type 2, and VWD type 3) each with differing degrees of severity and inheritance patterns. Unlike hemophilia which is characterized by joint bleeding, VWD is typically characterized by mucocutaneous bleeding.
Does VWF activate platelets?
VWF is a large multimeric plasma glycoprotein synthesized by megakaryocytes and endothelial cells. It plays a key role in the adhesion of platelets to exposed subendothelium, mediates shear-dependent activation of platelets, and increases thrombin generation on the platelet procoagulant surface (22–26).
Is VWF a platelet?
von Willebrand factor (vWF) circulates in the blood in two distinct compartments. One, plasma vWF, is synthesized and released from endothelial cells; the second, synthesized by megakaryocytes, circulates in platelets primarily stored in the alpha granules.
What is the best test to diagnose von Willebrand’s disease?
Diagnostic Tests The blood tests that a doctor can order to diagnose VWD (or another platelet disorder) include: Factor VIII clotting activity―To measure the amount of factor VIII in the blood. Von Willebrand factor antigen―To measure the amount of VWF in the blood.
Does von Willebrand disease affect platelets?
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a hereditary deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF), which causes platelet dysfunction. Bleeding tendency is usually mild. Screening tests show a normal platelet count and, possibly, a slightly prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
What foods should be avoided with von Willebrand disease?
Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin, for example), and naproxen (Aleve). Take medicine to prevent heavy bleeding if you have an injury, are going to have surgery, or are about to give birth. Avoid medicines (called blood thinners) that prevent blood clots.