Patient discussions
Patients should be educated about the nature of their disorder. They should be counselled to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and over-the-counter supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and fish oil, that can increase bleeding risk. Symptoms in family members should be elicited and symptomatic family members screened by laboratory testing, so that appropriate treatment and preventive measures can be instituted. Patients should be seen by a haematologist experienced in the treatment of bleeding disorders so that plans for surgical and other procedures can be made in advance. Patients with type 1, 2A, or 2M should be tested for their response to desmopressin remote (>1 week) from a needed procedure. Patient education materials are available from the National Hemophilia Foundation National Hemophilia Foundation Opens in new window and the World Federation of Hemophilia. World Federation of Hemophilia Opens in new window
Patients should be counselled regarding the hereditary nature of VWD, and the likelihood of children being affected.[2]
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