Surprise diagnosis of acquired von Willebrand syndrome in a patient previously thought to have type III von Willebrand disease: evaluation and periprocedural management.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a rare disorder that is characterised by an acquired deficiency of von Willebrand factor. AVWS was suspected in a patient with type III von Willebrand disease (VWD) who did not respond to factor replacement therapy. Given the crucial implications for management, we describe this patient's clinical presentation, diagnosis and periprocedural management. To facilitate pericardiocentesis, periprocedural management included steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and factor replacement therapy. In other patients with suspected immune-mediated AVWS, a similar approach may be effective. This case also highlights the importance of distinguishing AVWS from inherited VWD.

von Willebrand Factor and Angiopoietin-2 are Sensitive Biomarkers of Pulsatility in Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Device Patients.

Nonsurgical bleeding occurs in a significant proportion of patients implanted with continuous-flow ventricular assist devices (CF-VADs) and is associated with nonphysiologic flow with diminished pulsatility. An in vitro vascular pulse perfusion model seeded with adult human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) was used to identify biomarkers sensitive to changes in pulsatility. Diminished pulsatility resulted in an ~45% decrease in von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels from 9.80 to 5.32 ng/ml (n = 5, p < 0.05) and a threefold increase in angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT-2) levels from 775.29 to 2471.93 pg/ml (n = 5, p < 0.05) in cultured HAECs. These changes are in agreement with evaluation of patient blood samples obtained pre-CF-VAD implant and 30-day postimplant: a decrease in plasma vWF level by 50% from ~45.59 to ~22.49 µg/ml (n = 15, p < 0.01) and a 64% increase in plasma ANGPT-2 level from 7,073 to 11,615 pg/ml (n = 8, p < 0.05). This study identified vWF and ANGPT-2 as highly sensitive to changes in pulsatility, in addition to interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α). These biomarkers may help determine the optimal level of pulsatility and help identify patients at high risk of nonsurgical bleeding.

Successful and safe response to ibrutinib alone in treating relapsed Waldenström macrogobulinemia and related acquired von Willebrand syndrome: an option to consider.

Ibrutinib, a first-class Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is known to be associated with adverse bleeding events and has been recently approved for the treatment of relapse Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). Here, we report the exhaustive clinical and biological follow-up of 2 patients treated by ibrutinib alone in the context of relapsed WM with an acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) complication. In two cases, ibrutinib has been shown to be quickly efficient and safe for treating both AVWS and its underlying condition the WM, without bleeding complications. Interestingly, ibrutinib treatment brings a rapid and extended over time normalization of von Willebrand factor clearance. These observations show that ibrutinib is a valuable therapeutic option in relapsed WM patients associated with AVWS and highlighting the need for further cohort studies with long-term follow-up of patients to confirm the efficacy and safety of a treatment by ibrutinib for WM patients with AVWS complication.

Bleeding in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: acquired von Willebrand disease or antithrombotics?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the competing pro-haemorrhagic contribution of acquired von Willebrand (vW) disease and antithrombotic therapy in patients implanted with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). METHODS: We compared the extent of vW factor (vWf) degradation [vWf antigen (vWf:Ag)] and a decrease of functional activity of large vWf multimers [vWf collagen binding (vWf:CB)] in LVAD patients who did and did not suffer from bleeding. Data were measured pre-implant, at short-term (t1: <3 months) and long-term (t2: >12 months) follow-up. The occurrence of primary bleeding events, as well as bleeding recurrence, was correlated with patient-specific vWf profile and antithrombotic regimen. Indeed, patients were discharged on warfarin (international normalized ratio: 2-2.5) and aspirin, with the latter withhold after a first bleeding episode. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were enrolled. The median follow-up was 324 (226-468) days. We recorded 25 primary bleeding events (47% of patients). All primary events occurred in patients on warfarin and aspirin. Both vWf:Ag and vWf:CB decreased significantly post-implant (P = 0.0003 and P < 0.0001), and patients showing pathological vWf:CB/vWf:Ag ratio (<0.7) increased progressively over the time of support (pre-implant = 26%, t1 = 58%, t2 = 74%; P < 0.0001). Of note, activity of large vWf multimers of bleeders was significantly lower at t2 with respect to non-bleeders (vWf:CB: 61 (36-115) vs 100 (68-121), P = 0.04; vWf:CB/vWf:Ag ratio: 0.36 (0.26-0.61) vs 0.58 (0.33-0.96), P = 0.04). Despite these marked differences in the vWf profile, following aspirin discontinuation only 3 patients had bleeding recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin contributes significantly to haemorrhagic events in the background of acquired vW disease; its discontinuation significantly reduces bleeding recurrence. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03255928; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03255928.

Role of acquired von Willebrand syndrome in the development of bleeding complications in patients treated with Impella RP devices.

Axial flow pumps are standard treatment in cases of cardiogenic shock and high-risk interventions in cardiology and cardiac surgery, although the optimal anticoagulation strategy remains unclear. We evaluated whether laboratory findings could predict bleeding complications and acquired von Willebrand syndrome (avWS) among patients who were treated using axial flow pumps. We retrospectively evaluated 60 consecutive patients who received Impella devices (Impella RP: n = 20, Impella CP/5.0: n = 40; Abiomed Inc., Danvers, USA) between January 2019 and December 2020. Thirty-two patients (53.3%) experienced major or fatal bleeding complications (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium score of > 3) despite intravenous heparin being used to maintain normal activated partial thromboplastin times (40-50 s). Extensive testing was performed for 28 patients with bleeding complications (87.5%). Relative to patients with left ventricular support, patients with right ventricular support were less likely to develop avWS (87.5% vs. 58.8%, p = 0.035). Bleeding was significantly associated with avWS (odds ratio [OR]: 20.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3-128.5; p = 0.001) and treatment duration (OR: 1.3, 95% CI 1.09-1.55; p = 0.003). Patients with avWS had longer Impella treatment than patients without avWS (2 days [1-4.7 days] vs. 7.3 days [3.2-13.0 days]). Bleeding complications during Impella support were associated with avWS in our cohort, while aPTT monitoring was not sufficient to prevent bleeding complications. A more targeted anticoagulation monitoring might be needed for patients who receive Impella devices.

Estudio de la relación entre el grupo sanguíneo eritrocitario ABO con los niveles del factor von Willebrand en pacientes diagnosticados con la enfermedad / Study of the relationship between the ABO erythrocyte blood group with the von Willebrand factor levels in patients diagnosed with the disease

Resumen La presencia o ausencia de los antígenos del sistema ABO entre otros factores se han relacionado con los niveles plasmáticos del factor von Willebrand (VWF) debido a su influencia en la proteólisis por la ADAMTS 13; la actividad de este sistema eritrocitario puede incidir en eventos trombóticos o hemorrágicos. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar si los pacientes diagnosticados con la enfermedad de von Willebrand pertenecían al grupo sanguíneo O y si los niveles de VWF y FVIII eran más bajos que los de los grupos no-O. El grupo sanguíneo fue identificado por un método directo en tubo y el VWF y FVIII se midieron mediante ensayos de coagulación. Se analizó un total de 64 pacientes, el 29,4% eran mayores de 40 años, el 100% presentaron valores más bajos del VWF que los grupos no-O, el 64% de los pacientes presentaron una concentración del FVIII de 6-49% inferior al rango normal establecido y el 78,51% fueron tipificados como del grupo sanguíneo O. El análisis estadístico demostró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre los niveles de VWF y el grupo sanguíneo. Se determinó que existe una relación entre el sistema ABO y el VWF-FVIII (p<0,05); sin embargo, esto no significa que sea la única causa de la existencia de un nivel bajo del factor. Estos datos indican la necesidad de mayores estudios en la población de pacientes con la enfermedad y la necesidad de determinar los tipos de von Willebrand y su relación con el grupo sanguíneo.

Abstract The presence or absence of antigens of the ABO system, among other factors, have been related to plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) due to its influence on proteolysis by ADAMTS 13. The activity of this erythrocyte system may influence on thrombotic or hemorrhagic events. The purpose of this study was to determine if the patients diagnosed with von Willebrand disease belonged to the O blood group and the VWF and FVIII levels were lower than those of the other blood groups. The blood group was identified by direct tube method and the VWF and FVIII were measured by coagulation tests. A total of 64 patients were analised, 29.4% were older than 40, 100% presented lower values of VWF than the non-O groups. A total of 64% of the patients presented a lower concentration of 6-49% in FVIII at the established normal range and 78.51% were typified as blood group O. Statistical analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between VWF levels and blood group. It was determined that there is a relationship between the ABO system and the VWF-FVIII (p<0.05). However, this does not mean that is the only cause of the existence of a low level of these factors. These data indicate the need for further studies in the population of patients with von Willebrand disease in order to determine the von Willebrand types and their relationship with the blood group.

Resumo A presença ou ausência dos antígenos do sistema ABO, entre outros fatores, tem sido relacionada aos níveis plasmáticos do fator de von Willebrand (VWF) devido à sua influência na proteólise pelo ADAMTS 13; a atividade desse sistema eritrocitário pode afetar eventos trombóticos ou hemorrágicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se os pacientes com diagnóstico de doença de von Willebrand pertenciam ao grupo sanguíneo O e se os níveis de VWF e FVIII eram inferiores aos dos grupos não-0. O grupo sanguíneo foi identificado por um método direto em tubo e o VWF e o FVIII foram medidos por testes de coagulação. Foram analisados 64 pacientes, 29,4% tinham idade superior a 40 anos, 100% apresentaram valores mais baixos do VWF que os grupos não-O e 64% dos pacientes apresentaram concentração de FVIII 6-49% menor à faixa normal estabelecida, e 78,51% foram tipificados como do grupo sanguíneo O. A análise estatística mostrou uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre os níveis de VWF e o grupo sanguíneo. Foi determinado que existe uma relação entre o sistema ABO e o VWF-FVIII (p<0,05), no entanto, isso não significa que seja a única causa da existência de um baixo nível do fator. Esses dados indicam a necessidade de novos estudos na população de pacientes com a doença e a necessidade de determinar os tipos de von Willebrand e sua relação com o grupo sanguíneo.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in association with multiple myeloma: remission after stem cell transplant.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome is a rare bleeding disorder characterised by a later age of onset without a personal or family history of bleeding diathesis. It is vital to discern acquired von Willebrand syndrome from inherited von Willebrand disease and other acquired bleeding disorders as management differs significantly. Acquired von Willebrand syndrome is usually secondary to an underlying disorder such as lymphoproliferative disorder, myeloproliferative neoplasm, solid tumour, cardiovascular disorder, autoimmune disorders or hypothyroidism. Diagnosis is often delayed with a significant risk of morbidity and even mortality. Here we present a case of a 74-year-old man with an acquired bleeding disorder and work up suggestive of acquired von Willebrand syndrome secondary to immunoglobulin G kappa multiple myeloma. He was treated successfully with intravenous immunoglobulin, von Willebrand Factor/Coagulation Factor VIII Complex (human), myeloma directed chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. We also discuss the management strategies that are largely based on retrospective studies and case reports.

Decreased RPM reduces von Willebrand factor degradation with the EVAHEART LVAS: implications for device-specific LVAD management.

BACKGROUND: Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) produces supraphysiologic shear stress that causes von Willebrand factor (VWF) degradation and a bleeding diathesis. Reduction of revolutions per minute (RPM) with axial-flow LVADs does not decrease shear stress enough to reduce VWF degradation and bleeding. However, it is unknown if RPM reduction with centrifugal flow LVADs may minimize VWF degradation. We tested the hypothesis that RPM reduction preserves VWF multimers in the centrifugal-flow EVAHEART left ventricular assist system (LVAS), which is designed to minimize shear stress and blood trauma. METHODS: Whole blood samples were collected from humans (n = 28). Blood was circulated in ex vivo mock circulatory loops for 6 hours with an EVAHEART LVAS at 2300 (n = 12), 2100 (n = 8), or 1800 RPM (n = 8). Immunoblotting was used to resolve and quantify VWF multimers and degradation fragments. RESULTS: RPM reduction from 2300 to 2100 to 1800 RPM significantly decreased EVAHEART blood flow from 5.8 ± 0.4 to 4.3 ± 0.6 to 4.1 ± 0.5 L/min (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = .03). RPM reduction protected VWF from pathologic degradation. At lower RPMs, significantly greater levels of VWF multimers were observed (ANOVA, P = .001). Similarly, at lower RPMs, significantly fewer VWF fragments, a product of VWF degradation, were observed (ANOVA, P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: RPM reduction significantly reduced VWF degradation with the centrifugal-flow EVAHEART LVAS, an LVAD specifically designed with low shear stress. Different LVADs have unique hematologic footprints and should be managed with device-specific protocols. Adjustment of RPM to minimize blood trauma while still maintaining physiologic hemodynamics has the potential to decrease complications related to LVAD-associated von Willebrand's disease, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome: focused for hematologists.

The acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) is a rare bleeding disorder with laboratory findings similar to those of inherited von Willebrand disease. However, unlike the inherited disease, AvWS occurs in persons with no personal and family history of bleeding and is often associated with a variety of underlying diseases, most frequently lymphoproliferative, myeloproliferative and cardiovascular disorders. After the presentation of a typical case, in this narrative review we discuss the more recent data on the pathophysiology, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic aspects of this acquired bleeding syndrome. We chose to focus particularly on those aspects of greater interest for the hematologist.

Perioperative management for patients with von Willebrand disease: Defining the optimal approach.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder characterised by a quantitative or qualitative deficiency in von Willebrand factor (VWF). During invasive surgical procedures, patients with VWD require additional treatment to maintain haemostasis; however, due to the complexity of VWD, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal management. In the perioperative period, patients are usually treated with VWF and factor FVIII (FVIII)-containing concentrates to provide an immediate haemostatic response to prevent excessive bleeding during both elective and emergency surgery. With the introduction of recombinant VWF (rVWF), there is a need for guidance on the use of the various VWF products in the perioperative period for all types of patients and surgeries. This review provides an overview of the current evidence for the surgical management of patients with VWD and, summarises the optimal treatment approach during the perioperative period, and highlights key unanswered questions and the research needed to address the evidence gaps.

From Budd-Chiari syndrome to acquired von Willebrand syndrome: thrombosis and bleeding complications in the myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications are prevalent in patients with essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis. Given the impact on morbidity and mortality, reducing the risk of thrombosis and/or hemorrhage is a major therapeutic goal. Historically, patients have been risk stratified on the basis of traditional factors, such as advanced age and thrombosis history. However, multiple factors contribute to the thrombotic tendency, including gender, mutational profile, inflammatory stress, and abnormal cell adhesion. Management includes cardiovascular risk reduction and use of antiplatelet therapy, depending on myeloproliferative neoplasm subtype and mutational status. Anticoagulation is a mainstay of therapy for those with venous thrombosis, but practice patterns remain heterogeneous. Cytoreduction is indicated for higher-risk patients, but efficacy may depend on the involved vascular bed. Management of special situations, such as unusual site thrombosis, bleeding, the perioperative period, and pregnancy, are especially challenging. In this article, risk factors and treatment strategies for myeloproliferative neoplasm thrombosis and bleeding, including special situations, are reviewed. Insights gained from recent studies may lead to the development of a more precise risk classification and tailored therapy.

New therapies for von Willebrand disease.

The management of von Willebrand disease (VWD) is based upon the dual correction of the primary hemostasis defect, due to the inherited deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF), and of the secondary defect of factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C), due to the loss of binding and stabilization by VWF of this intrinsic coagulation factor in flowing blood. The traditional therapeutic weapons (the synthetic derivative of the antidiuretic hormone desmopressin and plasma-derived VWF/FVIII concentrates) are able to transiently correct both the defects. With the goal of tackling the primary deficiency in the disease, that is, VWF, but at the same time exploiting the normal capacity of patients to produce FVIII, the novel approach of replacing only VWF was implemented in the last 10 years. Following the manufacturing of a concentrate fractionated from human plasma and of one obtained by recombinant DNA technology, clinical studies have shown that VWF-only products correct not only the primary VWF deficiency but also the secondary FVIII:C deficiency. The demonstrated efficacy of these products in various clinical situations and, ultimately, in such a hemostasis-challenging context as surgery testifies to the effectiveness and safety of this approach. It remains to be seen whether VWF-only products are efficacious and safe in still-unexplored situations, such as use in children; the long-term use for prophylaxis; and in recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to angiodysplasia, a major therapeutic problem in VWD.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with suspected hereditary von Willebrand disease and severe gastrointestinal bleeding - a case report.

INTRODUCTION: von Willebrand disease is the most common hereditary coagulopathy and is characterised by a deficiency in the quantity or quality of the von Willebrand factor. Heyde Syndrome, in contrast, is an acquired form of von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) due to calcific aortic valve stenosis, characterised by gastrointestinal bleeding from angiodysplasia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old patient presented with severe gastrointestinal bleeding and stated that she suffered from hereditary von Willebrand disease. Upon echocardiography, a severe aortic valve stenosis was found, and hence the suspicion of additional AVWS was raised. Since endoscopic interventions and conservative therapeutic approaches did not result in a cessation of the bleeding, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was performed to stop the additional shear stress on von Willebrand factor. This resulted in cessation of the bleeding. CONCLUSION: Retrospectively, this life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding was a result of severe Heyde Syndrome, which could be alleviated by TAVI. Whether the patient had suffered from inherited von Willebrand disease in the past, remains uncertain. AVWS should be considered in patients with suspected inherited von Willebrand disease and concomitant severe aortic valve stenosis, since it constitutes a treatable cause of a potentially severe bleeding disorder.

Diagnosis and immediate treatment of acquired von Willebrand syndrome revealed by recurrent cerebral hemorrhage.

We report the case of a French woman with acquired von Willebrand syndrome who presents recurrent subarachnoid and intra-cerebral hemorrhage since 2012. She had no family or personal bleeding history. In the biologic explorations, APTT was abnormally high with no anticoagulant drugs (it was normal, historically). Two monoclonal IgG and IgM kappa proteins were detected without any lymphoproliferative disorder. Intravenous infusion of immunoglobulin is very effective in AVWS with immunoglobulin G monoclonal gammapathie of undetermined significance. We had a satisfactory correction of coagulation factors for about 30 days. The exploration of APTT is surely essential for the diagnosis and treatment.

Reversal of acquired von Willebrand syndrome with allogeneic stem cell transplant for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a rare, potentially fatal bleeding disorder caused by low activity of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in patients without congenital deficiency. The majority of adult cases are associated with hematological malignancy, including lymphoproliferative (48%) or myeloproliferative (15%) disorders (Federici et al., 2000). Both qualitative and quantitative defects occur, due to antibody-mediated clearance or functional interference, increased proteolysis, absorption to malignant cells or platelets, or increased shear stress due to valvular defects or mechanical vascular devices (Tiede et al., 2011). The predominant mechanism for decreased or absent VWF in malignancy is autoantibodies that are inhibitory to VWF function or shorten VWF survival (Kumar et al., 2002 [3]). Antibody-mediated clearance occurs through inactivating antibody directed towards VWF, antibody binding the non-active sites of VWF, and nonspecific antibodies that form circulating immune complexes with VWF, enhancing clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (Mannucci et al., 1984). Bleeding may be very difficult to treat due to reduced half-life of VWF-concentrates.

Acquired von Willebrand factor deficiency is reduced in HeartMate 3 patients†.

OBJECTIVES: The acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS), which is associated with left ventricular assist device support, is caused by the loss of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) high molecular weight multimers (HMWMs). We investigated whether the implantation of the left ventricular assist device HeartMate 3 (HM 3) is superior to the HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD) in preserving the multimeric structure of vWF. METHODS: In total, 70 patients with implanted HM 3 (n = 35) or HVAD (n = 35) were retrospectively investigated. HMWMs, intermediate molecular weight multimers and low molecular weight multimers were quantified by using a densitometric methodology. vWF antigen, vWF activity and vWF collagen-binding activity, as well as demographic and clinical data, were analysed. RESULTS: AvWS, which is characterized by a decrease in vWF HMWMs, was found in 97.1% of patients in the HM 3 group and 100% of patients in the HVAD group. Compared to normal pooled plasma, HM 3 induced a reduction in HMWMs (40.7 ± 8.2% vs 26.7 ± 7.5%, P < 0.01) and an increase in low molecular weight multimers (31.3 ± 11.8% vs 42.7 ± 9.8%, P < 0.01), whereas HVAD patients exhibited an increase in the percentage of intermediate molecular weight multimers (28.0 ± 5.0% vs 38.4 ± 7.7%, P < 0.01) in addition to a decrease in the percentage of HMWM (23.0 ± 11.0%, P < 0.01). A comparison of both left ventricular assist device types showed a difference in vWF multimeric structure (HMWMs: P < 0.01, intermediate molecular weight multimer: P = 0.05, low molecular weight multimer: P = 0.03). Furthermore, vWF activity was elevated in patients with an implanted HM 3 device (153.7 ± 54.4%) compared to those with an HVAD device (126.3 ± 39.7%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an implanted HM 3 had more intact HMWMs and a higher vWF activity during device support. This may reduce the manifestation of AvWS in HM 3 patients and could thus lead to a lower bleeding complication rate.

Management of epistaxis in patients with ventricular assist device: a retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a ventricular assist device (VAD) are at risk for epistaxis due to the need for anticoagulation. Additionally, these patients develop acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) due to these devices. Management is complicated by the risk of thrombosis if anticoagulation is reversed. This study sought to characterize the clinical features and management of epistaxis in this high-risk population. METHODS: Retrospective review of adults with VAD and epistaxis necessitating inpatient consultation with the otolaryngology service were included. RESULTS: 49 patients met inclusion criteria. All patients had a presumed diagnosis of AvWS. An elevated INR (> 2.0) was present in 18 patients (36.7%). Anticoagulation was held in 14 (28.6%) patients, though active correction was not necessary. Multiple encounters were required in 16 (32.7%) patients. Spontaneous epistaxis was associated with multiple encounters (p = 0.02). The use of hemostatic material was associated with a lower likelihood of bleeding recurrence (p = 0.05), whereas cauterization with silver nitrate alone was associated with a higher likelihood of re-intervention (p = 0.05). Surgery or embolization was not required urgently for any patient. Endoscopy under general anesthesia was performed for one patient electively. Mean follow up time was 16.6 months (σ = 6.3). At six months, 18 (36.7%) patients were deceased. CONCLUSION: While these patients are at risk for recurrent spontaneous epistaxis, nonsurgical treatment without active correction of INR or AvWS was largely successful. Placement of hemostatic material, as opposed to cautery with silver nitrate, should be considered as a first-line treatment in this group. Multidisciplinary collaboration is critical for successful management.