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Acquired Von Willebrand Disease
Ventricular assist device (VAD), Opens dialog

Condition Basics

What is acquired von Willebrand disease?

Acquired von Willebrand disease is a rare bleeding disorder that might be caused by other medical problems or medicines. It prevents blood from clotting properly. It is rarer than the inherited form of von Willebrand diseasevon Willebrand disease.

What causes it?

Medical problems that might cause acquired von Willebrand disease include:

  • Lymph disorders, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemialeukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphomanon-Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Plasma disorders, such as multiple myelomamultiple myeloma.
  • Bone marrow disorders, such as polycythemia verapolycythemia vera.
  • Solid tumors, such as Wilms' tumor (a fast-growing kidney tumor) and lung cancer.
  • HypothyroidismHypothyroidism.
  • Autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosussystemic lupus erythematosus.
  • Heart problems, such as aortic valve stenosis.
  • Use of a cardiac device that helps the heart pump blood, called a ventricular assist deviceventricular assist device.

Rarely, acquired von Willebrand disease may also develop in direct association with use of certain medicines. When use is discontinued, signs of the disease also end. These medicines include:

  • Ciprofloxacin.
  • Griseofulvin.
  • Valproic acid.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include nosebleeds with no previous history of bleeding abnormalities.

How is acquired von Willebrand disease treated?

Treatment of acquired von Willebrand disease includes medicines that help your body have enough von Willebrand clotting factor in the blood. This von Willebrand factor helps your blood clot.

Current as of: October 7, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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