# Von Willebrand disease: more than just a bleeding disorder

**Authors:** Dawn Swan, Michelle Sholzberg, Bethany Samuelson Bannow, Jecko Thachil

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2025.103276 · Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis · 2025-12-05

## TL;DR

Von Willebrand disease is more than a bleeding disorder, with significant nonbleeding complications affecting patients' lives.

## Contribution

This review highlights overlooked nonbleeding complications of VWD and emphasizes holistic patient care.

## Key findings

- Nonbleeding complications like reproductive and musculoskeletal issues are common in VWD.
- Psychosocial and socioeconomic impacts significantly affect patients with VWD.
- Women with VWD face additional medical challenges beyond bleeding.

## Abstract

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in the world. It is characterized by mucocutaneous bleeding, with heavy menstrual bleeding affecting the vast majority of girls and women with this condition. However, while bleeding episodes are the hallmark of VWD, there are marked psychological and socioeconomic ramifications of this chronic disorder, which may impact patients throughout their lifetimes, as well as additional medical issues, which may affect women with VWD preferentially. In this review, we discuss the evidence in support of nonbleeding complications of VWD and the key importance of providing a holistic approach to patient care.

•Nonbleeding manifestations of VWD are overlooked.•Literature search for the nonbleeding manifestations of VWD was undertaken.•Reproductive issues, musculoskeletal complications, and other medical problems are highlighted.•Psychosocial impact and socioeconomic consequences are also addressed.

Nonbleeding manifestations of VWD are overlooked.

Literature search for the nonbleeding manifestations of VWD was undertaken.

Reproductive issues, musculoskeletal complications, and other medical problems are highlighted.

Psychosocial impact and socioeconomic consequences are also addressed.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Von Willebrand disease (MONDO:0019565)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** VWD (MESH:D014842), inherited bleeding disorder (MESH:D025861), bleeding (MESH:D006470)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12796595/full.md

## References

93 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12796595/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12796595