Von Willebrand disease

Current developments

Studies are ongoing to improve treatment of VWD. This includes the development of new concentrates, including high-purity plasma-derived and recombinant von Willebrand factor concentrates. Optimal use of desmopressin and available concentrates for many indications is unknown, and further studies are underway in these areas. Tests of global haemostasis are under study and will be of use in assessing individual bleeding risk and response to therapy. Genetic testing for VWD is becoming more widely available and may be useful in the future in establishing a diagnosis. It is already used to clarify classification in difficult cases.