Contemporary Management of von Willebrand Disease in Women: Identifying Bleeding Disorders and Preventing Hemorrhage

According to the National Hemophilia Foundation, underdiagnosis of bleeding disorders in women is a significant problem. Menorrhagia associated with bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an overlooked, undertreated, and potentially serious condition that often has a profound impact on the affected individual’s quality of life. For women with VWD, menorrhagia is almost inevitable, with prevalence ranging from 32% to as high as 100%. Lack of awareness of the high prevalence of VWD in women and of the association between menorrhagia and undiagnosed bleeding disorders contributes to the problem. Less than effective application of recommended screening steps and treatment protocols augments the challenges. In this educational activity, expert faculty will evaluate criteria for abnormal uterine bleeding, explain the steps involved in differential diagnosis, and provide screening methods, protocols for treatment and prophylaxis, and patient-centered approaches that promote effective communication and patient engagement. This activity will feature a patient with VWD who will describe her journey with the disease across its trajectory and highlight its effects on quality of life.