Von Willebrand disease is a condition the effects approximately 1% of the general population (Lipkind et al, 2005). In years past, there has been a great deal of research conducted related to the treatment of the disease. The purpose of this discussion is to explain what the condition is, what causes it and how it can be prevented. The research will also investigate the risk factors associated with the disease and treatment options.
             What causes the condition and how can it be prevented?
             According to the Indian journal of Medical Research Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder that is an inherited ailment (Sucheta et al, 2005). The disease can also be acquired in some rare cases (Lipkind et al, 2005) The journal explains that this disease occurs as a result of a quantitative or qualitative deficiency associated with the von Willebrand factor (VWF) (Sucheta et al, 2005). There are different forms of the disease that are determined by the different patterns of genetic transmission and defects of VWF found in plasma and platelets (Sucheta et al, 2005). The article explains that there are three different types of VWD. The 1st type is associated with a limited absence of VWF. The 2nd type is associated with a qualitative defect in the VWF. The 3rd type of VWD is associated with a complete loss of the VWF (Sucheta et al, 2005).
             An article found in the journal American Family Physician explains that Von Willebrands disease is the most common of all inherited bleeding disorders. Those that suffer from von Willebrands disease usually suffer from excessive bleeding following surgical or dental procedures (Perry & Alving, 1990). However the article reports that, those with the disease usually have average bleeding times and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (Perry & Alving, 1990).
             The diagnosis of the condition can be determined through an evaluation of the patients bleeding and family history. If eit...