Erik Von Willebrand Research Paper

Over three million people in the United States share the same anomaly, a bleeding irregularity named von Willebrand. Abbreviated as VWD, it is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Erik von Willebrand, a Finnish scientist, first discovered VWD in the 1920s. This disease is a lifelong condition without a cure and can come with serious health hazards if not treated properly. For patients who have von Willebrand disorder, knowing the full definition, causes, classification, symptoms, tests, and how to treat their aliment, can help them to live a full and happy life. Carried on the twelfth chromosome, von Willebrand causes excessive bleeding (National Hemophilia). Patients with VWD have slower blood clot formation, resulting in prolonged bleeding. As a lifelong condition without a cure, it can come with serious health hazards. Roughly one percent of the U.S. population, or one out of a thousand, have this ailment. However, while other bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, occur mainly in males, VWD occurs equally in both men and …show more content…
This key protein for clotting is either scarce or malfunctions. It also carries factor VIII, which aids in the stimulation of blood cells for clotting. The two work closely together to create a clot. Patients with a low amount of von Willebrand factor have decreased levels of factor VIII, a vital clotting agent. The two bind together inside blood vessel walls, creating a platelet plug, or a blood clot. When von Willebrand factor is scarce, platelets cannot adhere to each other properly, meaning they are unable to attach themselves to blood vessel walls. These patients typically have less than fifty percent of the normal von Willebrand factor in their blood (National Hemophilia). Without the presence of this critical component, uncontrollable bleeding can occur, along with other health