Von Willebrand Disease

Maternal Coagulation Disorders and Postpartum Hemorrhage

Coagulation disorders are rare causes of postpartum hemorrhage. Disturbances in coagulation should be suspected in patients with a family history of coagulopathy, those with a personal history of heavy menstrual bleeding, and those with persistent bleeding despite correction of other causes. The coagulopathic conditions discussed include disseminated intravascular coagulation, platelet disorders, and disturbances of coagulation factors. These should not be overlooked in the evaluation of obstetric hemorrhage, as diagnosis and appropriate treatment may prevent severe maternal morbidity and mortality.

Pregnancy and childbirth in women with bleeding disorders: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Reproductive-age women with bleeding disorders (BDs) are underdiagnosed and understudied, despite their increased risk for adverse health outcomes and pregnancy complications.

AIM

This study examines pregnancy outcomes and obstetric complications of Utah women with BDs.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study utilized linked birth records and clinical billing data from two large Utah healthcare systems. Utah residents who had their first birth at > 20 weeks gestation (2008-2015) and who received non-emergent care within either system before delivery were included (n = 61 226). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine relationships between BDs and neonatal and obstetric outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 295 women (.48%) were included in the BD study population. Women with BDs had significantly increased odds of preterm birth (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.32-2.60), Caesarean delivery (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.06-1.79), postpartum blood transfusion (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.05-6.22), unplanned postpartum hysterectomy (aOR 33.96, 95% CI 7.30-157.89) and transfer to an intensive care unit (aOR 18.18, 95% CI 7.17-46.08). All of the women with BDs who experienced these serious complications were not diagnosed with a BD until the year of their first birth. Additionally, those with BDs were more likely to experience maternal and infant mortality.

CONCLUSION

Women with BDs had an increased risk for preterm birth, Caesarean delivery, blood transfusion, unplanned hysterectomy, intensive care unit admission, maternal and infant mortality. Those who were not diagnosed with a BD before the year of their first birth were at an increased risk for serious pregnancy complications.

Case of postpartum uterine artery pseudoaneurysm associated with von Willebrand disease

A woman in early 20s with type 1 von Willebrand disease (vWD) presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 5 weeks post partum following primary caesarean section. Imaging revealed a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP), which is a rare condition that can cause postpartum haemorrhage. Caesarean birth and vWD are two risk factors for pseudoaneurysm. Swift postpartum recognition of a pseudoaneurysm is essential to prevent a potentially life-threatening outcome. Successful diagnosis and treatment of the patient's symptoms required interdisciplinary teamwork between obstetricians, interventional radiologists and haematologists. Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) was performed and complete resolution of the pseudoaneurysm was noted 6 weeks after the procedure. Haemorrhage was averted due to early detection of UAP prior to its rupture, and future fertility was preserved. The patient successfully conceived a second child 1 year after UAE and delivered via caesarean birth without haemorrhage or recurrence of UAP.

Reproductive Tract Bleeding in Adolescent and Young Adult Females with Inherited Bleeding Disorders: An Underappreciated Problem

Reproductive tract bleeding is an underappreciated health care problem among adolescent and young adult (AYA) females with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) comprising von Willebrand disease, platelet disorders, hemophilia carriership, and rare factor deficiencies. IBDs are prevalent in women of all ages and have been detected in about 50% of women with menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and about 20% of women with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The clinical spectrum of gynecologic and obstetric bleeding in AYA with IBDs ranges from HMB, ovulation bleeding, and surgical bleeding to miscarriages and life-threatening PPH. Reproductive tract bleeding adversely affects the quality of life of this patient population, in addition to causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of IBDs offers the opportunity for timely intervention with hormones, hemostatic agents, and prophylaxis with factor concentrates, thereby improving outcomes. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, management, and prophylaxis for reproductive tract bleeding in AYA with IBDs. This review provides a multidisciplinary approach to the problem, which is critical to improve the outcomes of this patient population.

The Effect of Von Willebrand Disease on Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background and Objectives Several reports indicate that women with von Willebrand disease (VWD) are at an increased risk of bleeding and other complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of VWD on the course of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study that compared many variables between women with VWD (n = 26) and women without VWD (n = 297,111) who gave birth between 2002 and 2016 in Slovenia. Data were obtained from the Slovenian National Perinatal Information System. Results Women with VWD were not more likely to have a miscarriage, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, anemia, intrauterine growth restriction, or imminent premature labor. However, women with VWD were more likely to experience childbirth trauma-related bleeding (OR, 10.7; 95% CI: 1.4, 78.9), primary postpartum hemorrhage (OR, 3.7; 95% CI: 0.9, 15.8), and require blood transfusion after childbirth (OR, 16.3; 95% CI: 2.2, 120.3). No cases of stillbirth or early neonatal death were observed in women with VWD. Conclusion Although women with VWD did not demonstrate an increased risk of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy or poor fetal outcomes, they had a higher risk of primary postpartum hemorrhage and requiring blood transfusion.

Recombinant vs plasma-derived von Willebrand factor to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in von Willebrand disease

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a congenital bleeding disorder characterized by deficient or defective von Willebrand factor (VWF). Among women with VWD, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is common. Treatment options at delivery include plasma-derived VWF (pdVWF) and recombinant VWF (rVWF). However, limited data are available regarding their efficacy. We conducted a retrospective observational study comparing PPH in women with VWD treated at the Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania between 1 February 2017 and 31 January 2018 with either rVWF or pdVWF. We compared postpartum outcomes, including PPH frequency and estimated blood loss (EBL) at delivery. There were a total of 12 deliveries, 7 vaginal and 5 cesarean. At delivery and for 3 days postpartum, 6 women received 80 IU/kg of rVWF and 6 received 80 IU/kg of pdVWF, based on prepregnancy weight, insurance, and/or patient choice. Treatment groups had similar demographics, including median age (32.0 vs 27.0 years; P = .075), bleeding scores (3.0 vs 3.5; P = .734), and prepregnancy body mass index (29.0 vs 29.2 kg/m2; P = .691). PPH occurred in 3 (25.0%) of 12 deliveries, with no difference by treatment group (2 of 6 rVWF vs 1 of 6 pdVWF; P = 1.000) and no difference in EBL by treatment group (685 vs 462 mL; P = .384) or delivery type (vaginal, P = .722 vs cesarean, P = .531). In summary, PPH occurred in one-fourth of the deliveries in women with VWD, despite a higher dose (80 IU/kg) of rVWF or pdVWF. Future trials are needed to develop and assess novel strategies to prevent PPH in VWD.

Assessment of an Electronic Intervention in Young Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

STUDY OBJECTIVE, DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bleeding disorders (BD) occur in up to 50% of adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). This presents unique challenges to health care providers because of the complexity of treating the condition and such complexity can result in difficulty with patients understanding basic information about their condition, limit communication with medical providers, and patient compliance. The aim of the study was to use an electronic approach to enhance patient compliance with medications used to treat their HMB, and to provide educational access to adolescents with BD. This was a prospective cohort study involving patients in a Young Women's Bleeding Disorder Clinic at a single children's hospital. Subjects were given an iPod Touch (Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA) device (ITD), preloaded with the iPeriod (Winkpass Creations) application. Participants recorded information about their BD that they learned about on BD Web sites, and menses, and medications. Electronic and charted data were collected to monitor compliance with prescribed treatment regimens. All ITD allowed Wi-Fi access to allow teens to explore BD Web sites and knowledge was assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three of 45 subjects completed the study. The mean age was 14.1 ± 1.9 years. Subjects who were compliant with the ITD (group 1), charted on baseline symptoms, menstrual flow (83.3%), cramps (100%, 23/23), breakthrough bleeding (95.6%, 22/23), mood (95.6%, 22/23), and medication use (91.7%) for a mean of 9.3 ± 3.1 months. Subjects who were nonusers (group 2) did not report on symptoms, their condition, or medication use in the device (n = 22). More than 75% (17/23) of subjects in group 1 used hormones alone or hormones with antifibrinolytic agents to control HMB. No subjects stopped or missed medications who were in group 1 intentionally, and also there were 9 enrollees within this same group who missed a medication related to awaiting the prescription to be filled from pharmacy. In group 2, 17 enrollees missed medications, resulting in 19% (4/22) of these enrollees being admitted to hospital for 1-2 days. In addition, enrollees in group 2 missed more medications on average compared with group 1. No subjects in group 1 required admission for HMB treatment failure during the study period, compared with those in group 2 (P = .006). All subjects in group 1 reported accessing Web sites using their ITD to learn about their BD. Groups 1 and 2 did not differ in the number of medications that were prescribed during the time frame (P = .77) or the number of follow-up clinic visits (P = .49). Furthermore, those in group 1 reported fewer breakthrough bleeding episodes than those in group 2 according to clinic notes (P = .03). Users of the ITD were given a set of knowledge questions. Group 2 subjects were not consistent users of the ITD use and did not complete the knowledge questions. Group 1 and 2 could not be compared with regard to knowledge as a result.

CONCLUSION

ITD is an excellent tool for adolescents with HMB and BD to allow self-monitoring, provider monitoring, and improve educational access through engaging technology; compliance with device use was associated with several parameters suggestive of improved clinical outcomes.

[Coagulation management in geriatric surgery]

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients often suffer from cardiovascular diseases and are treated with anticoagulation medications, which must be taken into consideration when planning elective surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The etiology, diagnostic work-up and clinical management of selected inherited and acquired hemophilic and thrombophilic coagulation disorders are described.

METHODS

Data from clinical studies, current guidelines and expert opinions are discussed.

RESULTS

Beside inherited hemophilic coagulation defects, elderly patients very frequently show an acquired bleeding tendency caused by the intake of analgesic drugs or long-term medication due to cardiovascular diseases. In rare cases, elderly patients can develop acquired hemophilia caused by autoantibodies to coagulation factors resulting in a severe bleeding disorder. Moreover, elderly patients have an increased risk to develop venous or arterial thrombotic events. Prior to surgery a relevant bleeding tendency should be excluded by the combination of medical history, clinical investigation and screening of laboratory parameters. If laboratory parameters are outside the normal range, e.g. a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), the reasons must be clarified prior to an elective surgery.

CONCLUSION

The clinical management of elderly patients under anticoagulation treatment should start early and must also cover the post-surgery period. When planning treatment for patients at risk, a physician qualified in clinical hemostaseology should be consulted. For the management of thrombosis prophylaxis, the implementation of clinical guidelines is a valuable measure.

von Willebrand disease in pregnancy

von Willebrand disease is the most prevalent inherited bleeding disorder, affecting up to 1.3% of the population. It is caused by a defect or deficiency of the von Willebrand factor. Women with the condition may not be aware of their condition at the time of childbirth, but they are at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage even days after birth. In this article we briefly review the condition and specific considerations for the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum phases. It is important for nurses who care for women during childbirth to have a keen understanding of this condition.

IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance presenting as acquired type III Von Willebrand syndrome

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a rare bleeding disorder associated with hematoproliferative disorders, autoimmune conditions, neoplasia and cardiovascular disorders that often present a diagnostic challenge. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is one of the most common causes of AVWS that typically presents later in life with mucocutaneous or postsurgical bleeding and multimers consistent with type I or II von Willebrand disease (VWD). Here, we present the case of a patient with a 32-year history of type III VWD that was ultimately found to be AVWS related to an IgG MGUS. In this case report, we highlight the diagnostic challenges of AVWS to ensure proper identification and potentially lifesaving treatment of this rare disorder.

Primary postpartum haemorrhage in women with von Willebrand disease or carriership of haemophilia despite specialised care: a retrospective survey

Pregnant women with bleeding disorders require specialised peripartum care to prevent postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). If third trimester coagulation factor levels are <0.50 IU mL(-1) , prophylactic treatment is indicated and administered according to international guidelines. However, optimal dose and duration are unknown and bleeding may still occur. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome in women with von Willebrand disease (VWD) or haemophilia carriership treated according to current practice guidelines. From the period 2002-2011, 185 deliveries in 154 VWD women or haemophilia carriers were retrospectively included. Data on blood loss, bleeding disorder characteristics and obstetric risk factors were obtained. The outcome was primary PPH, defined as blood loss ≥500 mL within 24 h postpartum and severe PPH as blood loss ≥1000 mL. Primary PPH was observed in 62 deliveries (34%), 14 (8%) of which resulted in severe PPH. In 26 deliveries prophylactic treatment was administered due to factor levels below the 0.50 IU mL(-1) cut-off in the third trimester, 14 of which (54%) were complicated by PPH. We found an increased PPH risk in deliveries given prophylactic treatment compared with deliveries without (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6.3). In conclusion, PPH incidence was highest in deliveries with the lowest factor levels in the third trimester. Currently, delivery outcome in women with bleeding disorders is unsatisfactory, given the high PPH incidence despite specialised care. Future studies are required to optimise management of deliveries in this patient population.

Population screening for von Willebrand disease in adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding

We used Ohio Medicaid data to determine frequency and predictors of laboratory screening for von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders in adolescents with heavy menses. Despite expert guidelines, screening was performed in only a minority of subjects (<15% of those with heavy menses and <25% of those with menstrual bleeding defined as severe), with younger adolescents and those from more urban counties more likely to undergo screening.

Therapeutic, prophylactic, untoward, and contraceptive effects of combined oral contraceptives: catholic teaching, natural law, and the principle of double effect when deciding to prescribe and use

Combined oral contraceptives (COC) have been demonstrated to have significant benefits for the treatment and prevention of disease. These medications also are associated with untoward health effects, and they may be directly contraceptive. Prescribers and users must compare and weigh the intended beneficial health effects against foreseeable but unintended possible adverse effects in their decisions to prescribe and use. Additionally, those who intend to abide by Catholic teachings must consider prohibitions against contraception. Ethical judgments concerning both health benefits and contraception are approached in this essay through an overview of the therapeutic, prophylactic, untoward, and contraceptive effects of COC and discussion of magisterial and traditional Catholic teachings from natural law. Discerning through the principle of double effect, proportionate reason, and evidence gathered from the sciences, medical and moral conclusions are drawn that we believe to be fully compliant with good medicine and Catholic teaching.

von Willebrand disease and pregnancy: a practical approach for the diagnosis and treatment

von Willebrand disease is caused by either a quantitative or qualitative defect in von Willebrand factor (VWF). Patients may have extensive mucosal bleeding (because of platelet dysfunction) and prolonged bleeding after surgery (because of factor VIII deficiency). Up to 6 different subtypes of the disease have been described, and diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and laboratory confirmation. Accurate diagnosis is of paramount importance because therapy will vary according to the subtype. Bleeding complications during pregnancy are more frequent when levels of the von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor assay and factor VIII levels are <50 IU/dL. In such cases, therapy before any invasive procedure or delivery must be instituted. The mainstays of therapy are desmopressin and plasma concentrates that contain von Willebrand factor. Delayed postpartum hemorrhage may occur, despite adequate prophylaxis. Frequent monitoring and continued prophylaxis and/or treatment are recommended for at least 2 weeks after delivery.

The spectrum of inherited bleeding disorders in pediatrics

Inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) are caused by quantitative and qualitative alterations of either platelets or plasma proteins involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis. Hemophilias are the most frequent IBDs; however, accumulated data from various studies reported that von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common cause of IBD, with an increased incidence of platelet function defects, mostly due to the increased rate of consanguinity in some communities. VWD is an inherited disorder of homeostasis due to quantitative or qualitative defect of von Willebrand factor. Data on its epidemiology and impact in developing countries are limited. The objective of this study was to assess the local prevalence of some IBD and establish the clinical and historical variables that are predictive for those bleeding disorders in pediatrics. The study involved 43 children with various bleeding manifestations and 15 age- and sex-matched controls, recruited from the Pediatrics Hematology Clinic at the National Research Centre, Sausan Mubarek children's hospital in Cairo, Egypt and the King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hematological profile included platelet counts and function, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, factor VIII antigen and its activity, factor IX antigen and its activity, von Willebrand factor and its activity assayed with multimeric analysis. A total of 12 (27.9%) children had VWD, 11 (25.5%) had hemophilia A, three (7%) had hemophilia B, seven (16.3%) had platelet dysfunction and 10 (23.3%) had bleeding with undiagnosed cause. Two of the VWD cases had type I, three had type II, four had type III and one case appeared to have type IIM and another to have IIB VWD. Bruising and epistaxis were the main symptoms in all children with VWD The majority of platelet dysfunction disorders were diagnosed as Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. VWD and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia should be considered not uncommon causes of IBDs in children in Egypt and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Routine hematological screening should be mandatory in children with positive family history of bruising and bleeding as a predictor for IBD.

Prevalence and risk factors of severe obstetric haemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence, causes, risk factors and acute maternal complications of severe obstetric haemorrhage.

DESIGN

Population-based registry study.

POPULATION

All women giving birth (307,415) from 1 January 1999 to 30 April 2004 registered in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Information about socio-economic risk factors was obtained from Statistics Norway.

METHODS

Cross-tabulation was used to study prevalence, causes and acute maternal complications of severe obstetric haemorrhage. Associations of severe obstetric haemorrhage with demographic, medical and obstetric risk factors were estimated using multiple logistic regression models.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Severe obstetric haemorrhage (blood loss of > 1500 ml or blood transfusion).

RESULTS

Severe obstetric haemorrhage was identified in 3501 women (1.1%). Uterine atony, retained placenta and trauma were identified causes in 30, 18 and 13.9% of women, respectively. The demographic factors of a maternal age of > or =30 years and South-East Asian ethnicity were significantly associated with an increased risk of haemorrhage. The risk was lower in women of Middle Eastern ethnicity, more than three and two times higher for emergency caesarean delivery and elective caesarean than for vaginal birth, respectively, and substantially higher for multiple pregnancies, von Willebrand's disease and anaemia (haemoglobin <9 g/dl) during pregnancy. Admissions to an intensive care unit, postpartum sepsis, hysterectomy, acute renal failure and maternal deaths were significantly more common among women with severe haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of severe obstetric haemorrhage indicates the need to review labour management procedures. Demographic and medical risk factors can be managed with extra vigilance.

Molecular study of VWF gene from Mexican Mestizo patients with von Willebrand disease, and the finding of three new mutations

To investigate the origin of von Willebrand disease in Mexican Mestizo population, we analyzed exons 18, 19, 20, 28, 45, and 52 of the VWF gene from 34 Mexican Mestizo index cases, 28 of them affected but not related, using DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. We found three novel mutations: E1447Q in one patient with type 1; P2781S in one patient with type 2M; and P812L in another type 1/2N patient. These mutations were not found in 100 normal alleles. Moreover, we found other mutations previously reported in the literature; one of them (G1609R) was the most frequent (6/28) in patients with VWD type 2A. This is the first molecular study in a Mexican group that has a particular mixture of Indigenous, Caucasian, and African genes.

More than menorrhagia: A review of the obstetric and gynaecological manifestations of von Willebrand disease

Menorrhagia is the most common symptom experienced by women with von Willebrand's disease (VWD), but several other gynaecological disorders also occur more frequently in these women; primarily ovarian cysts and endometriosis. Women with VWD are most likely to experience an increased incidence of gynaecological disorders and obstetric complications that manifest with bleeding. The incidence of these disorders and the complications of pregnancy are discussed with particular reference to a case-control study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.