title: Acquired von Willebrand syndrome: its pathophysiology, laboratory features and management.
abstract: Acquired von Willebrand syndrome is a bleeding disorder associated with various underlying diseases. The clinical manifestations are similar to congenital von Willebrand disease. Diagnosis is mainly confirmed by decrease of ristocetin cofactor activity (vWF:RCo) and collagen binding activity (vWF:CBA) and by vWF multimeric analysis usually with selective loss of large multimers. Various pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed, including development of autoantibodies to von Willebrand factor (vWF), adsorption of vWF onto tumor cells or activated platelets, increase of vWF proteolysis, and mechanical destruction of vWF under high shear stress. Following the treatment of underlying disorders, desmopressin (DDAVP) is a first intention therapeutic option. Factor VIII/vWF concentrates and high dose immunoglobulin infusions are reserved for patients unresponsive to DDAVP.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Promotion Service, Department of Community and Environmental Health, Tokai University School of Medicine, Bousei-Dai, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan. mohrih@is.icc.u-tokai.ac.jp
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mohri
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009196:Myeloproliferative Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D014842:von Willebrand Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014841:von Willebrand Factor