Review of interventions and effectiveness for heavy menstrual bleeding in women with moderate and severe von Willebrand disease.

INTRODUCTION: Women with VWD have an increased risk of gynaecological complications due to haemostatic challenges of menstruation. AIM: Review gynecological bleeding symptoms and their management in women with moderate-severe VWD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data for women with moderate and severe VWD attending a joint multidisciplinary clinic between January 2010 and December 2020. Data was collected from electronic patient records on response to treatment options using PBAC, quality of life (QoL) assessment using SF-36 scores, haemoglobin and ferritin in comparison to pre-treatment values. RESULTS: Of the 67 women managed in the clinic; all reported heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Combination therapy with concurrent hormonal agents and tranexamic acid was required in 80% of women. There was an overall 64% improvement in PBAC scores in the first year, reflecting on QoL with 35% improvement in SF-36 score and correction of anaemia in 21% of cases. The cumulative effect of continued treatment culminated in greater reduction of blood loss, with an overall 71% improvement in PBAC scores by 5 years. One in 10 women required surgical treatment for a gynaecological pathology. Non-compliance was the cause of excessive unscheduled bleeding in 50% of adolescents. After 3 years, one in five women experienced a relapse of symptom, of whom 46% became perimenopausal and 54% discontinued hormonal treatments due to concerns about fertility, hair loss and weight gain. CONCLUSION: Management of HMB requires careful monitoring and follow-up by MDT with close collaboration between the gynaecology team and HTC. Control of HMB often requires a combination therapy.

Efficacy of a 1:1 ratio VWF/FVIII concentrate in patients with von Willebrand disease.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) require administration of von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrates peri-operatively. Concerns about FVIII accumulation after repetitive injections of a 1:1 ratio VWF/FVIII clotting factor concentrate (CFC) led this study to explore the recovery and FVIII accumulation over time. METHODS: This monocentre study examined patients with VWD receiving perioperative 1:1 ratio CFC infusions. CFC dosing was based on body weight and endogenous VWF/FVIII activity. FVIII and VWF activity was monitored at T0 (baseline), T1 (15 min postinfusion), and trough levels at T2-T6 (24-120 h). RESULTS: We included 125 patients, undergoing 125 procedures (63 major surgeries, 62 minor), with a median of two CFC infusions (IQR 1-3). With a mean administered dose of 35.7 IU/kg CFC, recovery rates of FVIII and VWF were 2.6 IU/dL per IU/kg and 2.4 IU/dL per IU/kg, respectively. Mean FVIII levels at T0 were 62 (SD 51.9), T1: 164 (SD 80.4), T2: 155 (SD 62.8), T3: 162 (SD 59.8), T4: 124 (SD 78.4), and T5: 120 (SD 65.3) IU/dL. Mean VWF activity levels at T0 were 29 (SD 25.0), T1: 133 (SD 43.7), T2: 92 (SD 37.2), and T3: 86 (SD 37.5) IU/dL. Subgroup analysis in 47 patients with more than three infusions, showed no accumulation of mean FVIII levels. CONCLUSION: This perioperative study demonstrated excellent FVIII and VWF recovery of a 1:1 ratio VWF product in patients with VWD. Stable FVIII and VWF activity levels were observed after repeated infusions, without accumulation. Most major surgeries required only three CFC infusions.

von Willebrand factor antigen levels are associated with burden of rare nonsynonymous variants in the VWF gene.

Approximately 35% of patients with type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) do not have a known pathogenic variant in the von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene. We aimed to understand the impact of VWF coding variants on VWD risk and VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) levels, studying 527 patients with low VWF and VWD and 210 healthy controls. VWF sequencing was performed and VWF:Ag levels assayed. A combined annotation-dependent depletion (CADD) score >20 was used as a predicted pathogenicity measure. The number of rare nonsynonymous VWF variants significantly predicted VWF:Ag levels (P = 1.62 × 10-21). There was an association between average number of rare nonsynonymous VWF variants with VWD type 1 (P = 2.4 × 10-13) and low VWF (P = 1.6 × 10-27) compared with healthy subjects: type 1 subjects possessed on average >2 times as many rare variants as those with low VWF and 8 times as many as healthy subjects. The number of rare nonsynonymous variants significantly predicts VWF:Ag levels even after controlling for presence of a variant with a CADD score >20 or a known pathogenic variant in VWF (P = 2.7 × 10-14). The number of rare nonsynonymous variants in VWF as well as the presence of a variant with CADD >20 are both significantly associated with VWF levels. The association with rare nonsynonymous variants holds even when controlling for known pathogenic variants, suggesting that additional variants, in VWF or elsewhere, are associated with VWF:Ag levels. Patients with higher VWF:Ag levels with fewer rare nonsynonymous VWF gene variants could benefit from next-generation sequencing to find the cause of their bleeding.

Reported prevalence of von Willebrand disease worldwide in relation to income classification.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) is complex and challenging, especially when diagnostic resources are limited. This results in a lack of consistency in identifying and reporting the number of people with VWD and variations in the VWD prevalence worldwide. AIM: To analyze the reported prevalence of VWD worldwide in relation to income classification. METHODS: Data on the VWD prevalence from the World Federation of Hemophilia Annual Global Survey, national registries of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and the literature were analysed. The income level of each country was classified according to the World Bank. RESULTS: The mean VWD prevalence worldwide was 25.6 per million people. The VWD prevalence for high-income countries (HIC) of 60.3 per million people was significantly greater (p < .01) than upper middle (12.6), lower middle (2.5) and low (1.1) income countries. The type 3 VWD prevalence for HIC of 3.3 per million people was significantly greater (p < .01) than lower middle (1.3) and low income (0.7) countries. The reported VWD prevalence was greater among females than males. CONCLUSION: The reported VWD prevalence varied considerably across and within income classifications. The variability of type 3 VWD prevalence was less than the VWD prevalence (all types). The variability in detection and diagnosis of type 1 VWD presents a challenge in forming a consistent prevalence value across countries and income classifications.

Platelet degranulation and bleeding phenotype in a large cohort of Von Willebrand disease patients.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder caused by quantitative (type 1 or 3) or qualitative (type 2A/2B/2M/2N) defects of circulating von Willebrand factor (VWF). Circulating VWF levels not always fully explain bleeding phenotypes, suggesting a role for alternative factors, like platelets. Here, we investigated platelet factor 4 (PF4) in a large cohort of patients with VWD. PF4 levels were lower in type 2B and current bleeding phenotype was significantly associated with higher PF4 levels, particularly in type 1 VWD. Based on our findings we speculate that platelet degranulation and cargo release may play a role across VWD subtypes.

von Willebrand disease and von Willebrand factor.

Progress in both basic and translational research into the molecular mechanisms of VWD can be seen in multiple fields. GENETICS OF VWD: In the past several decades, knowledge of the underlying pathogenesis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) has increased tremendously, thanks in no small part to detailed genetic mapping of the von Willebrand Factor (VWF) gene and advances in genetic and bioinformatic technology. However, these advances do not always easily translate into improved management for patients with VWD and low-VWF levels. VWD AND PREGNANCY: For example, the treatment of pregnant women with VWD both pre- and postpartum can be complicated. While knowledge of the VWF genotype at some amino acid positions can aid in knowledge of who may be at increased risk of thrombocytopenia or insufficient increase in VWF levels during pregnancy, in many cases, VWF levels and bleeding severity is highly heterogeneous, making monitoring recommended during pregnancy to optimize treatment strategies. VWF AND COVID-19: New challenges related to the consequences of dysregulation of hemostasis continue to be discovered. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that VWF has additional biological roles in the regulation of inflammatory disorders and angiogenesis, disruption of which may contribute to COVID-19 induced vasculopathy. Increased endothelial cell activation and Weibel-Palade body exocytosis in severe COVID-19 lead to markedly increased plasma VWF levels. Coupled with impairment of normal ADAMTS13 multimer regulation, these data suggest a role for VWF in the pathogenesis underlying pulmonary microvascular angiopathy in severe COVID-19. CONCLUSION: With the increased affordability and availability of next-generation sequencing techniques, as well as a push towards a multi-omic approach and personalized medicine in human genetics, there is hope that translational research will improve VWD patient outcomes.

Type 2N VWD: Conclusions from the Spanish PCM-EVW-ES project.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2N von Willebrand disease (VWD) is characterized by a decreased affinity of von Willebrand factor (VWF) for factor VIII (FVIII). Abnormal binding of FVIII to VWF (VWF:FVIIIB), results in low FVIII plasma levels, which can lead to a misdiagnosis of mild haemophilia A. Accurate diagnosis of type 2N VWD is essential for appropriate genetic counselling and therapy. This disease can be distinguished from haemophilia A by in vitro assays (measurement VWF:FVIIIB activity) and/or genetic analysis. AIM: To identify the current challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of this type of VWD and provide an in-depth description of the phenotypes and mutations identified. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients had at least one type 2N mutation, and 13 of these had a type 2N mutation combined with other variations. Three type 2N mutations were detected: p.Arg816Trp, p.Arg854Gln, and p.Arg763Ser. Two of these are the most frequently described mutations worldwide. This mutational spectrum differs from the broad spectrum seen in neighbouring France, where at least eight distinct 2N mutations have been found. In the PCM-EVW-ES cohort, 11 asymptomatic type 2N carriers with borderline FVIII plasma levels would probably have been excluded if the evaluation had been based on clinical and laboratory data only. Likewise, three patients with a severe phenotype would have been classified as homozygous for a 2N mutation if only the phenotype study had been performed. CONCLUSION: The high detection yield and affordability of next-generation sequencing support the use of this technology as a first-line diagnostic tool in this setting.

How we diagnose 2M von Willebrand disease (VWD): Use of a strategic algorithmic approach to distinguish 2M VWD from other VWD types.

INTRODUCTION: von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder and caused by an absence, deficiency or defect in von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD is currently classified into six different types: 1, 2A, 2B, 2N, 2M, 3. Notably, 2M VWD is more often misdiagnosed as 2A or type 1 VWD than properly identified as 2M VWD. AIM: To describe an algorithmic approach to better ensure appropriate identification of 2M VWD, and reduce its misdiagnosis, as supported by sequential laboratory testing. METHODS: Comparative assessment of types 1, 2A, 2B and 2M VWD using various laboratory tests, including VWF antigen and several VWF activity assays, plus DDAVP challenge data, ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination (RIPA) data, multimer analysis and genetic testing. RESULTS: Types 1, 2A, 2B and 2M VWD give characteristic test patterns that can provisionally classify patients into particular VWD types. Notably, type 1 VWD shows low levels of VWF, but VWF functional concordance (VWF activity/Ag ratios >0.6), with both baseline assessment and post-DDAVP. Types 2A, 2B and 2M VWD show VWF functional discordance (low VWF activity/Ag ratio(s)) dependent on the defect, but type 2M separates from 2A/2B VWD based on specific test patterns, especially with collagen binding vs glycoprotein Ib binding assays. RIPA identifies 2B VWD. Multimers separate 2M from 2A/2B. CONCLUSION: We provide strategies to improve correct diagnosis of VWD, especially focussed on 2M VWD, and which can be used by most diagnostic haemostasis laboratories, reserving genetic analysis (if required) for confirmation.

The disulfide bond Cys2724-Cys2774 in the C-terminal cystine knot domain of von Willebrand factor is critical for its dimerization and secretion.

BACKGROUND: Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) exhibits severe hemorrhagic tendency with complicated pathogenesis. The C-terminal cystine knot (CTCK) domain plays an important role in the dimerization and secretion of von Willebrand factor (VWF). The CTCK domain has four intrachain disulfide bonds including Cys2724-Cys2774, Cys2739-Cys2788, Cys2750-Cys2804 and Cys2754-Cys2806, and the single cysteine mutation in Cys2739-Cys2788, Cys2750-Cys2804 and Cys2754-Cys2806 result in type 3 VWD, demonstrating the crucial role of these three disulfide bonds in VWF biosynthesis, however, the role of the remaining disulfide bond Cys2724-Cys2774 remains unclear. METHOD AND RESULTS: In this study, by the next-generation sequencing we found a missense mutation a c.8171G>A (C2724Y) in the CTCK domain of VWF allele in a patient family with type 3 VWD. In vitro, VWF C2724Y protein was expressed normally in HEK-293T cells but did not form a dimer or secrete into cell culture medium, suggesting that C2724 is critical for the VWF dimerization, and thus for VWF multimerization and secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide the first genetic evidence for the important role of Cys2724-Cys2774 in VWF biosynthesis and secretion. Therefore, all of the four intrachain disulfide bonds in CTCK monomer contribute to VWF dimerization and secretion.

Molecular Characterization of the Von Willebrand Factor Type D Domain of Vitellogenin from Takifugu flavidus.

The von Willebrand factor type D (VWD) domain in vitellogenin has recently been found to bind tetrodotoxin. The way in which this protein domain associates with tetrodotoxin and participates in transporting tetrodotoxin in vivo remains unclear. A cDNA fragment of the vitellogenin gene containing the VWD domain from pufferfish (Takifugu flavidus) (TfVWD) was cloned. Using in silico structural and docking analyses of the predicted protein, we determined that key amino acids (namely, Val115, ASP116, Val117, and Lys122) in TfVWD mediate its binding to tetrodotoxin, which was supported by in vitro surface plasmon resonance analysis. Moreover, incubating recombinant rTfVWD together with tetrodotoxin attenuated its toxicity in vivo, further supporting protein-toxin binding and indicating associated toxicity-neutralizing effects. Finally, the expression profiling of TfVWD across different tissues and developmental stages indicated that its distribution patterns mirrored those of tetrodotoxin, suggesting that TfVWD may be involved in tetrodotoxin transport in pufferfish. For the first time, this study reveals the amino acids that mediate the binding of TfVWD to tetrodotoxin and provides a basis for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying the enrichment and transfer of tetrodotoxin in pufferfish.

Calcium-activated chloride channel regulator 1 (CLCA1) forms non-covalent oligomers in colonic mucus and has mucin 2-processing properties.

Calcium-activated chloride channel regulator 1 (CLCA1) is one of the major nonmucin proteins found in intestinal mucus. It is part of a larger family of CLCA proteins that share highly conserved features and domain architectures. The CLCA domain arrangement is similar to proteins belonging to the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family, known to process extracellular matrix proteins. Therefore, CLCA1 is an interesting candidate in the search for proteases that process intestinal mucus. Here, we investigated CLCA1's biochemical properties both in vitro and in mucus from mouse and human colon biopsy samples. Using immunoblotting with CLCA1-specific antibodies and recombinant proteins, we observed that the CLCA1 C-terminal self-cleavage product forms a disulfide-linked dimer that noncovalently interacts with the N-terminal part of CLCA1, which further interacts to form oligomers. We also characterized a second, more catalytically active, N-terminal product of CLCA1, encompassing the catalytic domain together with its von Willebrand domain type A (VWA). This fragment was unstable but could be identified in freshly prepared mucus. Furthermore, we found that CLCA1 can cleave the N-terminal part of the mucus structural component MUC2. We propose that CLCA1 regulates the structural arrangement of the mucus and thereby takes part in the regulation of mucus processing.

How I manage severe von Willebrand disease.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Most patients with mild and moderate VWD can be treated effectively with desmopressin. The management of severe VWD patients, mostly affected by type 2 and type 3 disease, can be challenging. In this article we review the current diagnosis and treatment of severe VWD patients. We will also discuss the management of severe VWD patients in specific situations, such as pregnancy, delivery, patients developing alloantibodies against von Willebrand factor and VWD patients with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Moreover, we review emerging treatments that may be applied in future management of patients with severe VWD.

Cardiovascular disease-related hospitalization and mortality among persons with von Willebrand disease: A nationwide register study in Sweden.

INTRODUCTION: It has been hypothesized that persons with von Willebrand disease (VWD) may be protected against arterial thrombosis despite having atherosclerosis. AIM: To calculate a nationwide estimate of the absolute and comparative burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalization and mortality among persons with VWD using birthdate and sex-matched comparisons from the general population in Sweden. METHODS: Persons with VWD regardless of the type and severity, diagnosed by a medical doctor, who lived in Sweden for some time during the observation period 1987 through 2008 were included. For each participant with VWD, up to five randomly selected birthdate- and sex-matched persons from general population were selected as controls. RESULTS: A total of 2790 participants with VWD including 888 male and 1902 female subjects and 13 938 controls were included. Overall, the hazard of CVD-related hospitalization was 1.3-fold (95% CI: 1.1, 1.5) among participants with VWD after adjusting for sex, birthdate, diabetes and cancer. However, they had a 0.4-fold (95% CI: 0.3, 0.6) hazard of CVD-related mortality compared to general population sample. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide, long-term register study with individually matched controls, we have been able to show that persons with VWD have a higher hospitalization rate due to CVD events. However, the mortality rates appear lower than in the control population. The latter finding is consistent with previous studies and indicates a protective effect of the clotting factor deficiency inherited with VWD.

Characterization of the mutation spectrum in a Pakistani cohort of type 3 von Willebrand disease.

INTRODUCTION: Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD), a severe autosomal recessive hereditary bleeding disorder, is described by the virtual absence of von Willebrand factor (VWF). In consanguineous populations, for example Pakistan, the disease is reported with a higher incidence rate than the worldwide prevalence. AIMS: This study aims to characterize molecular pathology and clinical profile of type 3 VWD cohort of Pakistani origin. METHODS: In total, 48 patients were enrolled in the current study. Initially, the index patients (IPs) were evaluated by a standardized questionnaire for recording bleeding manifestations and by performing conventional coagulation tests. The diagnosis of VWD type 3 was confirmed by VWF antigens less than 5 IU/dL. Direct sequencing of VWF gene (VWF) was carried out to identify causative gene variations. We evaluated the potential consequence of novel splice site and missense variations by predictive computational programs and in silico structural analysis. RESULTS: VWF mutations were detected in 46 out of 48 IPs (95.8%), predominantly as homozygous variants. In total, twenty-nine different gene defects were characterized in this cohort from which 10 (34.5%) are novel. The majority of the mutations were null alleles (66%; including gene conversions, nonsense, splice site variations, small deletions and insertions), and 34% of them were missense substitutions. CONCLUSION: Herein, we reported for the first time, the pattern of gene defects in Pakistani type 3 VWD cohort. We identified a wide heterogeneous mutation spectrum along with variability in the type of bleeding episodes.

Women and inherited bleeding disorders - A review with a focus on key challenges for 2019.

The area of women and inherited bleeding disorders has undergone quick expansion in recent years. More patients are being identified and expertise to diagnose and manage these patients is now essential for practising physicians. Programs to help educate and empower patients and caregivers are now in place. Common inherited bleeding disorders affecting women include von Willebrand disease (VWD), inherited platelet disorders, and rare inherited bleeding disorders such as factor VII (FVII) deficiency and factor XI (FXI) deficiency. Specific clinical tools have been developed to help clinicians and patients screen for the presence of these bleeding disorders in both adult and pediatric populations. Affected women can experience heavy menstrual bleeding and resulting iron deficiency anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, and hemorrhagic ovarian cysts which need to be properly managed. Excessive bleeding can adversely affect quality of life in these women. Front line therapy for bleeding in mild cases focuses on the use of non-specific hemostatic agents such as DDAVP ®, tranexamic acid and hormonal agents but specific factor replacement and/or blood products may be required in more severe cases, in severe bleeding or as second line treatment when bleeding is not responsive to first line agents. Iron status should be optimised in these women especially in pregnancy and use of an electronic app can now help clinicians achieve this. These patients should ideally be managed by a multidisciplinary team whenever possible even remotely. Although clinical research has closed some knowledge gaps regarding the diagnosis and management of these women, there remains significant variation in practise and lack of evidence-based guidelines still exists in many spheres of clinical care in which caregivers must rely on expert opinion. Ongoing efforts in education and research will continue to improve care for these women and restore quality of life for them.

Closing the gap - detection of clinically relevant von Willebrand disease in emergency settings through an improved algorithm based on rotational Thromboelastometry.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage and blood loss are still among the main causes of preventable death. Global hemostatic assays are useful point-of-care test (POCT) devices to rapidly detect cumulative effects of plasma factors and platelets on coagulation. Thromboelastography (TEG) and Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) are established methods in many anesthesiological departments for guided hemostatic treatment. However, von Willebrand disease remains undetected by standard ROTEM, especially during emergency care, despite being the most prevalent congenital hemostatic disorder. METHODS: In our monocentric cohort pilot study we focused on hemostatic challenges associated with von Willebrand disease. Twenty-seven patients with suspected von Willebrand disease were included. We modified the routine ROTEM assay by adding a preincubation with ristocetin and commercially available plasma-derived von Willebrand factor to identify clinically relevant von Willebrand disease (VWD). RESULTS: Addition of von Willebrand factor to the ristocetin assay of a VWD type 3 patient restored the reaction of the whole blood probe to match the response of a healthy person. Our modified ROTEM assay with ristocetin (Ricotem) showed that all high responders (n = 7) had VWD. In the low responder group (n = 16) - 10 of 16 had VWD and in the normal responder group (n = 5), 2 of 5 had mild type 1 VWD. CONCLUSIONS: This new modification of the standard ROTEM assay enables the detection of otherwise unnoticed critical von Willebrand disease based on alterations in clot formation and might serve as a novel approach to reliably assess severe VWD patients by platelet-mediated blood clotting in an emergency setting. We recommend incorporating this new VWD-focused screening tool into the current ROTEM-based management algorithm of acute microvascular bleeding.

Comorbidities associated with higher von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels may explain the age-related increase of VWF in von Willebrand disease.

Some comorbidities, such as hypertension, are associated with higher von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels in the general population. No studies have been conducted to assess this association in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). Therefore, we studied this association in patients with type 1 (n = 333) and type 2 (n = 203) VWD from the 'WiN" study. VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) was higher in type 1 VWD patients with hypertension [difference: 0·23 iu/ml, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·11-0·35], diabetes mellitus (0·11 iu/ml, 95% CI: -0·02 to 0·23), cancer (0·14 iu/ml, 95% CI: 0·03-0·25) and thyroid dysfunction (0·14 iu/ml, 95% CI: 0·03-0·26) than in patients without these comorbidities (all corrected for age, sex and blood group). Similar results were observed for VWF collagen binding capacity (VWF:CB), VWF activity as measured by the VWF monoclonal antibody assay (VWF:Ab) and factor VIII (FVIII) coagulant activity (FVIII:C). In type 1 VWD, age was associated with higher VWF:Ag (0·03 iu/ml; 95% CI: 0·01-0·04), VWF:CB (0·02 iu/ml; 95% CI: 0·00-0·04), VWF:Ab (0·04 iu/ml; 95% CI: 0·02-0·06) and FVIII:C (0·03 iu/ml; 95% CI: 0·01-0·06) per decade increase. After adjustment for relevant comorbidities, these associations were no longer significant. Despite the higher VWF and FVIII levels, type 1 VWD patients with comorbidities had more bleeding episodes, particularly during surgery. There was no association between comorbidities and VWF/FVIII levels or bleeding phenotype in type 2 VWD patients. In conclusion, comorbidities are associated with higher VWF and FVIII levels in type 1 VWD and may explain the age-related increase of VWF and FVIII levels.

Bleeding-related hospitalization in patients with von Willebrand disease and the impact of prophylaxis: Results from national registers in Sweden compared with normal controls and participants in the von Willebrand Disease Prophylaxis Network.

INTRODUCTION: Patients suffering from von Willebrand disease (VWD) have a variety of bleeding symptoms and require both outpatient care for treatment and, in more severe cases, hospitalization. AIM: To investigate the impact of having VWD on frequency of hospitalization compared to a control group and to evaluate whether regular replacement therapy (prophylaxis) is associated with reduction in the number of hospitalizations. METHODS: Linkage of national population-based registries was used in the Congenital Bleeding Disorders study in Sweden (CBDS). Data were from the von Willebrand Disease Prophylaxis Network (VWD PN). RESULTS: The national registries contained 2790 subjects with a diagnosis of VWD between 1987 and 2009. A total of 13 920 age- and gender-matched controls were identified. There were 2.0 times (range 1.5-2.5) as many inpatient hospitalizations among subjects with VWD compared to controls. The most common causes of hospitalization were gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (n = 232 as primary diagnosis), menorrhagia (n = 198) and epistaxis (n = 192). Outpatient visits per year were also twice as common among those with VWD. From the VWD PN, 105 subjects were included (VWD type 3, 52.4%; type2A, 22.9%; type 1, 12.4% and other types, 3.9%). A total of 122 hospitalizations due to bleeding episodes, dominated by GI bleeds, were analysed. Significantly fewer hospitalizations occurred after initiation of prophylaxis (75 prior to and 45 after, P = .006). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that subjects with VWD have a considerably higher consumption of healthcare resources compared to controls and that initiation of prophylaxis may reduce the number of hospitalizations due to bleeding.