Von Willebrand Disease: An Overview

Abstract

Most commonly inherited bleeding disorder, first described in Aland Islands by Erik von Willebrand. It occurs as a result of decrease in plasma levels or defect in von Willebrand factor which is a large multimeric glycoprotein. Monomers of this glycoprotein undergo N-glycosylation to form dimers which get arranged to give multimers. Binding with plasma proteins (especially factor VIII) is the main function of von Willebrand factor. The disease is of two forms: Inherited and acquired forms. Inherited forms are of three major types. They are type 1, type 2, and type 3; in which type 2 is sub-divided into 2A, 2B, 2M, 2N. Type 1 is more prevalent than all other types. Mucocutaneous bleeding is mild in type 1 whereas it is mild to moderate in types 2A, 2B, and 2M. Type 2N has similar symptoms of haemophilia. The pathophysiology of each type depends on the qualitative or quantitative defects in von Willebrand factor. The diagnosis is based on von Willebrand factor antigen, von Willebrand factor activity assay, FVIII coagulant activity and some other additional tests. Results should be analyzed within the context of blood group. von Willebrand factor multimer analysis is essential for typing and sub typing the disease. The management of the disease involves replacement therapy, non-replacement therapy and other therapies that include antifibrinolytics and topical agents.

When a blood vessel is injured and starts bleeding, platelets together with some clotting factors form a plug at the region of injury. As a result, the blood vessel stops bleeding. The plasma protein which allows or helps the platelets to stick with each other and form a clump is the von Willebrand factor (VWF). It also carries factor VIII. When there is a decrease in plasma levels or defect in the von Willebrand factor, the ability of the blood to clot decreases leading to a heavy and continuous bleeding after an injury which is termed as von Willebrand disorder or disease (VWD). This may cause internal organ damage and rarely may lead to death[1].

VWD is the most commonly inherited bleeding disorder[2–4]. Although it is a form of haemophilia which is also a clotting disorder, haemophilia is mostly due to the deficiency of clotting factors. For instance, haemophilia A is due to factor VIII deficiency and haemophilia B is due factor IX deficiency. VWD is milder and common when compared to haemophilia[5].

HISTORY[6]

It is named after the Finnish doctor, Erik von Willebrand (1870-1949). He is the first to describe the hereditary bleeding disorder in the families in Aland Islands. He could not identify the actual cause for the disorder but was able to distinguish it from haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR

Von willebrand factor (VWF) is a large multimeric glycoprotein present in plasma. It is synthesized in Weibel-Palade bodies in endothelium, α-granules of platelets (megakaryocytes) and sub-endothelial connective tissue[7].

Structure:

Each monomer of VWF contains 2050 amino acids with specific domains possessing specific functions[7]. These monomers undergo N-glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum leading to the formation of dimmers, Figure 1. These dimers in turn are arranged into multimers by the cross-linking of cysteine residues with the help of disulphide bonds. Formation of multimers takes place in Golgi apparatus. Each of these multimers consists of about 80 subunits 250kDa each. During the synthesis of VWF, large multimers and some cleavage products are also produced. Of these, only the larger multimers are functional whereas the cleavage products have no functional capacity[7]. Functions of each domain are tabulated in Table 1.

Figure 1.

VWF monomer and multimers. [Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:VWF.png]

Table 1.

FUNCTIONS OF EACH DOMAIN

Functions:

As already mentioned, the specific domains present in it are responsible for its functions. The main function is to bind with plasma proteins, especially factor VIII and coagulate blood[7]. Factor VIII in its inactive state binds to VWF in the circulation. If it is unbound, it rapidly degrades. When VWF is exposed in endothelium during an injury to blood vessel, it binds to collagen. When coagulation is stimulated, the platelet receptors get activated. VWF binds to these activated receptors. VWF binds to platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) receptor when it forms a complex with glycoprotein IX (GPIX) and glycoprotein V (GPV). This occurs when there is a rapid flow in narrow blood vessels. Studies show that VWF uncoils and decelerate platelets under these conditions.

Catabolism:

A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease domain with thrombospondin type 1 motifs (ADAMTS-13), a plasma metalloprotease breaks down VWF between tyrosine at position 842 and methionine at position 843 in A2 domain. As a consequence, the multimers are broken into smaller sub-units which can be degraded by other peptidases[8].

CLASSIFICATION

These are of two forms[4]. They are: Inherited forms and acquired form. Hereditary forms include three major types and a platelet type[4]. The three major forms are type 1, type 2, and type 3. The international society of thrombosis and homeostasis has classified VWD based on the definition of qualitative and quantitative defects[4]. According to this classification, type 2 VWD is again classified into four different types like type 2A, type 2B, type 2M and type 2N.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

The disease prevalence is about only 1%. More often, it can be detected in women based on the bleeding tendency during menstruation. The disease may be severe in people with ‘O’ blood group[9]. Type 1 includes[4] 60%-80% of the cases. Type 2 includes[4] 20-30%. Type 3 accounts[10] for less than 5% of all the cases. Acquired VWD occurs[10] most often in individuals over 40 years with no prior bleeding history.

AETIOLOGY

It is an inherited disease where the parent carrying the gene may or may not be symptomatic. Type 1 and type 2 are inherited if the gene is passed on to the offspring from either of the parent. Type 3 is inherited only if the gene is passed from both the parents[1]. Acquired VWD is seen in patients with auto antibodies[4].

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

Children with VWD may have symptoms that are different from those of parent carrying the gene. It is the bleeding disorder that is commonly seen in women. Menorrhagia is seen in more than 70% of women with VWD and a half suffers from dysmenorrheal[11]. Different types of von Willebrand diseases have varying degrees of bleeding tendencies (nose bleeding, bleeding gums, easy bruising). Individual with type 3 VWD have a severe internal and joint bleeding, but this is very rare condition[1].

Typically type 1 VWD manifests mild mucocutaneous bleeding. Most common symptoms include bruising and epistaxis. Women experience a heavy menstrual bleeding in reproductive age and a heavy blood loss during delivery. If the VWF levels are lower than 15 IU/dl, the disease symptoms can be more severe[11,12]. Type 2A VWD individuals usually manifest mild to moderate mucocutaneous bleeding. Whereas type 2B VWD typically have mild to moderate mucocutaneous bleeding. Thrombocytopenia may be observed which becomes worsened during stress (severe infection/surgery/pregnancy/if desmopressin is used). Like type 2B individuals, type 2M VWD also typically has mild to moderate mucocutaneous bleeding. When there is a low or absent VWF:RCo, the episodes of bleeding can be severe. Type 2N VWD symptoms are similar to those of mild hemophilia A which includes excessive bleeding at the time of surgery[10]. Acquired VWD individuals also present with mild to moderate bleeding[13,14].

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

VWF is active only in high blood flow condition and shear stress. Hence the organs with extensive small vessels such as skin, uterus, and gastrointestinal tract show deficiency of the factor. The pathophysiology of different forms of VWD can be given as followed.

Inherited forms:

Type 1:

It is a partial quantitative defect but the clotting impairment may not be seen clearly. Genetic changes in VWF are common in severe cases whereas in milder cases of type 1 VWD, complex spectrum of molecular pathology together with polymorphisms of VWF gene may be seen[15]. Individuals with type 1 VWD lead a normal life though they have low levels of VWF. These low levels are due to mutations that affect the gene expression. As a result of mutations, the intracellular transportation of VWF sub-units is impaired leading to severe, dominantly inherited type 1 VWD[16,17].

Type 1 VWD can also be caused by rapid clearance of VWF from the plasma of affected individuals. This decreases the cleavage time of circulating VWF multimer by ADAMTS-13. As a result, clearance shifts multimer distribution in plasma towards those that are initially secreted by the endothelial cells[18,19].

Bleeding tendency is mainly because of decreased levels of VWF. There is normal distribution of the high molecular weight multimers. Laboratory findings reveal that the ratio of activity of VWF and its antigen is proportionately decreased[20].

Type 2:

It is a qualitative defect where there is no change in plasma VWF levels but characterized by a structural and functional defects based on which, it is further sub-divided into four types.

Type 2A:

It is characterized by a decreased VWF mediated platelet adhesion. This is usually because of deficiency of high molecular weight multimers in the circulation. The deficiency of large multimers arises as a result of defective multimer assembly or increased cleavage of the multimers by ADAMTS-13[21]. Defects in multimer assembly may occur due to homozygous or heterozygous mutations. These mutations result in the prevention of multimerisation in the Golgi apparatus[22–24]. The activity of ristocetin co-factor is low when compared to that of von Willebrand antigen[10].

Type 2B:

It is characterized by a decreased level of large multimers in the plasma and a markedly increased proteolysis[25,26]. Like in type 2A, the proportion of ristocetin co-factor activity is lower[10] even in type 2B but the proteolytic activity does not affect the multimerisation in Golgi apparatus. The mutations that cause type 2B do not impair the multimer assembly but the multimers, after their secretion, get bound to the platelets after which they become cleaved by ADAMTS-13. These small multimers do not mediate effective platelet adhesion and inhibits directly the interaction of platelets with connective tissue[27].

Type 2M:

It includes qualitative variants in which VWF dependant platelet adhesion is decreased without any deficiency of high molecular weight VWF multimers. The secretion and assembly of the multimers is almost normal. The mutations bring about a defect in the functions and result in the impairment of VWF binding to platelets. This ultimately leads to a decreased exposure of VWF to ADAMTS-13, thereby preserves the distribution of large multimers similar to that initially secreted from endothelial cells[28]. VWF:RCo is disproportionately low when compared to VWF:Ag in most of the patients with type M VWD[10].

Type 2N:

In this, the variants have a marked decline in the binding affinity for factor VIII. The mutations that impair the binding affinity may be homozygous or compound heterozygous. In certain cases, both the alleles of VWF may have factor VIII binding mutations. But in most of the cases of type 2N, only one of the two alleles has the mutation while the other may express a little or no mutation[29]. In type 2N, the level of factor VIII is lower when compared to the VWF:Ag. This led to misdiagnosis as haemophilia A. The patients should be suspected only if they have clinical symptoms of hemophilia A with an autosomal rather than x-linked inheritance[4,30,31].

Type 3:

It is caused by recessive mutation which leads to undetectable VWF level. Hence it is often termed as a severe form[29]. The mutations that usually cause type 3 VWD are missense and nonsense mutations[32]. It is characterized by severe mucosal bleeding with no detectable VWF antigen[4].

Acquired VWD:

In this, the function of VWF is not inherited but its antibody complex is rapidly cleared from the circulation. It has a diverse pathology. VWF normally produced and removed from the circulation by tumor cell adhesion or VWF antibody-mediated large multimer disruption or protein digestion gradually[13,33]. Patients with aortic stenosis may develop VWD and may have gastrointestinal bleeding[4].

DIAGNOSIS

Type 1 and type 2 people do not have major bleeding problems. Hence, the early diagnosis is difficult. Whereas, early diagnosis is easy in type 3 people as they have severe bleeding problems since infancy[1].

The diagnosis is established based on the personal and/or family history of abnormal bleeding and diagnostic test results. The screening tests like bleeding time and platelet function analyzer (PFA-100^®, Dade Behring, Deerfield, I11) are less sensitive[21,34]. Diagnosis is mainly based on VWF activity assay (VWF:RCo), reduced VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), and FVIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C)[35].

The various tests[36] that are included in the diagnosis of VWD are: Bleeding history, total blood count, VWD profile testing (VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, FVIII:C), ABO blood group. Optional tests if initial test results suggest VWD include: VWF multimer analysis, VWF:CBA, VWF:FVIIIB, RIPA, Genetic tests.

Bleeding history:

It can be considered to be supportive for VWD when the patient has three different hemorrhagic symptoms or when the bleeding score is more than 3 (males) or 5 (females)[37,38]. Scoring systems and the importance of assessing the bleeding history and the chance of having VWD (especially type 1) have yet to be studied outside of defined population[35,37].

Total blood count:

This includes assessing hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count (PC) and morphology, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Fibrinogen level or thrombin time (TT) can be measured optionally[39]. Usually, individuals with VWD have a normal thrombin time, prothrombin time, platelet count and fibrinogen level. Some individuals have a prolonged aPTT which is consistent with VWD whereas, it may be normal in mild or moderate cases[40,41]. Depending upon the type and severity of the disease, the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels vary from normal to decreased[42].

Platelet count and prothrombin time:

In most of the individuals with VWD, the platelet count is normal whereas it is decreased in type 2 VWD patients[36]. With the use of PFA-100^®, platelet counts yield a low closure time (CT). Closure time is the time taken by the platelets to occlude a hole impregnated with collagen or epinephrine. With this, one can assess the platelet adhesion or aggregation[43]. Majority of the individuals with VWD other than type 2N, have abnormal PFA-100^® results. Its use for screening populations for VWD has not yet been established[34,44–46]. Patients with severe type 1 and type 3 VWD show abnormal PFA-100^® results. On the other hand, mild to moderate type 1 VWD patients and some type 2 cases do not show abnormal results[47–49]. The individuals with VWD have a normal prothrombin time[10].

Activated partial thromboplastin time:

The activated partial thromboplastin time is normal often. It may be prolonged incase of reduced levels of FVIII. The deficiency of FVIII is secondary to the deficiency of VWF. In type 1 VWD, the FVIII levels in plasma are slightly higher than VWF and may fall in the normal range. In type 2 individuals, other than type 2N, FVIII levels are 2-3 times higher than VWF. However, it is decreased in type 2N individuals. In type 3 individuals, the plasma levels of FVIII are below 10 IU/dl[50,51]. The normal FVIII levels in plasma are 50-150 IU/dl approximately[10].

VWD profile testing:

This includes three tests which help in measuring the plasma levels of VWF (VWF:Ag), function of the VWF protein which is present as ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) and the ability of the VWF to serve as carrier protein to maintain normal survival of FVIII. All these levels are markedly decreased or absent in type 3 VWD[36].

VWF:Ag (VWF antigen)

In this, the plasma concentration of VWF is measured by using methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or automated latex immunoassay (LIA). Results should be expressed in international units (IU), either as IU/dl or IU/ml[39]. Normal range of VWF:Ag is 50-200 IU/dl[10]. In type 1, 2A, 2B individuals, the levels are decreased whereas they may be normal or decreased in the case of type 2M. In type 2N VWD, VWF:Ag levels are normal[36].

VWF:RCo (ristocetin cofactor activity assay):

It is a function assay in which the ability of VWF to agglutinate with normal platelets is measured. This interaction between the VWF and the normal platelets is initiated by an antibiotic, ristocetin. Use of this antibiotic in clinical trials has been stopped as it causes thrombocytopenia. But in laboratory tests, it is still used since it is the most widely accepted functional test for VWF[39]. Normal range is 50-200 IU/dl[10]. The levels are decreased in type 1, 2A, 2B VWD and found to be normal in case of type 2N individuals. They may be normal or decreased in type 2M individuals[36].

FVIII:C (FVIII coagulant assay):

It is a functional FVIII assay[10] which is used to measure the ability of VWF to serve as a carrier protein for FVIII. Its normal range is 50-150 IU/dl[10]. Its value may be decreased or normal in VWD. While it is always decreased in type 2N and type 3 VWD[36].

ABO blood group:

Several studies have been conducted to know the influence of ABO blood group on plasma levels of VWF[52–54]. It was found that 66% of the variation in the plasma levels of VWF was determined genetically in which 30% of the genetic component was explained by ABO blood group[55]. Individuals with O group have lowest VWF levels while AB group individuals have highest levels. The influence of these blood groups on the plasma levels of VWF make it difficult to diagnose type 1 VWD since the normal range of VWF:Ag in O group individuals is below 50 IU/dl, which is generally considered as the lower normal limit[56]. The VWF:RCo level in individuals with O blood group is significantly lower than those in the non-O group[57].

VWF multimer analysis:

Analyzing the multimer distribution is necessary for typing and sub-typing of VWD. The assay is laborious which involves protein electrophoresis followed by radioactive or immunofluorescent detection of the multimers on the gel[19,58]. This test is not done alone with the initial screening tests unless there is sufficient initial information which suggests VWD[21]. The multimer assays are designated as low resolution and high resolution. Low resolution systems differentiate larger multimers from intermediate and smaller multimers; whereas, high resolution systems differentiate each multimer band of smaller multimers into 3-8 satellite bands. Low resolution gel systems are primarily used to differentiate type 2 VWD variants from those of type 1 or 3. All sizes of multimers can be observed in type 1 VWD plasma. On the other hand, type 3 VWD plasma does not show any multimer distribution. Type 2A VWD plasma comprises only smaller multimers whereas type 2B comprises only larger multimers[39].

VWF:CBA (VWF collagen-binding assay):

This helps in measuring the binding of VWF to collagen. The A3 domain of VWF is the primary site of collagen binding. This assay depends upon the size of VWF multimers. Larger multimers bind more avidly than smaller. The performance of the assay, sensitivity to detect the disease and discrimination among subtypes depends on the source of collagen[59,60]. The VWF:CBA along with the assays of VWF:RCo and VWF:Ag improves the differentiation of type 1 from type 2A, 2B or 2M VWD[61,62].

VWF:FVIIIB (VWF:FVIII binding assay):

This assay detects the factor VIII binding defect on VWF[63]. In other words, it is used in measuring the ability of VWF to bind to the exogenously added factor VIII. This assay is used to diagnose type 2N VWD[30,64]. The amount of factor VIII bound is estimated by using chromogenic FVIII assay. This is then directly related to the individual's VWF. In type 2N (homozygous or compound heterozygous), the VWF in the circulation does not bind with FVIII normally and hence the amount of FVIII is decreased[39].

RIPA (ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation):

It is mainly used to diagnose type 2B VWD[10,39]. It is generally done using low concentration ristocetin (usually <0.6 mg/ml). At this low concentration, ristocetin does not cause VWF binding and platelet aggregation. If it does cause, it shows that the respective individual has either type 2B or mutations in the platelet VWF receptor. The latter is termed as plate-type VWD or pseudo VWD and it can be differentiated from type 2B by VWF:PB (VWF:platelet binding) assay. In individuals with type 3 VWD, RIPA will be reduced at higher concentrations of ristocetin (1.1-1.3). This test is not sensitive enough to diagnose other types of VWD[39].

Genetic tests:

Mutation analysis is used in identifying mutations in the VWF gene associated with types 2A, 2B, 2M, 2N and some other forms of type 1 and 3 VWD. It is useful in differentiating mild haemophilia A from type 2N. Mild haemophilia A has no VWF mutations and follows X-linked inheritance; whereas type 2N is due to VWF mutations and follows autosomal recessive inheritance. It is also used to differentiate type 2B from type 2M; type 2A from 2B[65,66]. Mutation analysis also helps in managing future pregnancies by determining the causative mutation in the families with type 3 VWD[36]. This analysis is less useful in diagnosing type 1 VWD which has a complex and variable genetic basis[66]. Most of the mutations in type 2B, 2M, and 2N VWD cluster in cDNA which directs the synthesis of specific regions of VWF[67]. Mutations cluster in A2 domain in common forms of type 2A VWD while they may be scattered throughout the gene in less common forms of type 2A[39].

TREATMENT

There are certain standard recommendations to guide therapy for VWD[68,69]. The mainstay of VWD treatment is the replacement of the deficient protein (VWF)[70]. The different therapies[71] used in treating VWD are: Non-replacement therapy, replacement therapy, and other therapies.

Non-replacement therapy, DDAVP (1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin):

Desmopressin is a synthetic derivative of the antidiuretic, vasopressin. It is chemically known as 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin. Through its agonist effect on vasopressin V2 receptors, it stimulates the release of VWF from endothelial cells[72,73]. DDAVP increases the plasma concentration of VWF through cyclic AMP-mediated release of VWF from endothelial cell Weibel-Palade bodies[74]. FVIII levels are also increased but its storage and release mechanisms have not yet been elucidated fully[75,76]. Though DDAVP induces the release of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), it is rapidly inactivated by plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and so fibrinolysis or bleeding does not appear to be promoted after treatment by DDAVP[71].

It can be given intravenously or intranasally or can also be administered subcutaneously if available[71]. Indicated for most of the type 1 patients, some type 2A patients[1]. The standard dosing of DDAVP is 0.3 mg/kg intravenously in 30-50 ml of normal saline over 30 min[75,77]. Subcutaneous doses are identical to i.v. dose. Nasal instillation (Stimate^®) contains 150 ΅g per metered nasal puff (0.1 ml of a 1.5 mg/ml solution). Dose is one puff for those whose body weight is <50 kg and two puffs (one to each nostril) for those who are >50 kg weight[71]. It is not indicated for type 2B VWD as there was fall in the platelet count after its use[78]. It is not clinical use in type 3 VWD because there is no clinical relevant rise in FVIII or VWF:RCo activities[79]. Minor side effects include transient hyper or hypotension, headache or gastrointestinal upset, facial flushing[70,73].

Replacement therapy:

Humate-P^® and Alphanate SD/HT^® are the plasma-derived concentrates to replace VWF[71]. These products should not be interchanged with one another as they are not identical and differ in the ratios of FVIII to VWF[80,81].

Humate-P^® is administered intravenously and is indicated for patients who cannot tolerate desmopressin or patients who need prolonged treatment. It can also be used in any variant of type 2 disease and severe type 3 cases[1]. When reconstituted at the recommended volume, each milliliter of the product contains 50-100 IU/ml VWF:RCo and 20-40 IU/ml FVIII activity[82]. Alphanate SD/HT^®, upon reconstitution to the recommended volume, each milliliter of the product contains 40-180 IU/ml FVIII activity and not less than 16 IU/ml VWF:RCo activity[71]. Adverse reactions include urticaria, chest tightness, rash, pruritus and edema[83].

Other therapies, antifibrinolytics:

Aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid are the antifibrinolytics use in the VWD therapy. They act by inhibiting the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin and thereby inhibit fibrinolysis. Thus, they stabilize the clots that have formed[84]. These drugs can be given orally or intravenously to treat mild mucocutaneous bleeding in individuals with VWD. Adult dose of aminocaproic acid is 4-5 g as a loading dose given orally or intravenously 1 h before invasive procedures. It is then followed by 1 g/h given orally or intravenously or 4-6 g for every 4-6 h orally until bleeding is controlled or for 5-7 days post-operatively[70]. The total daily dose should not exceed 24 g/24 h to minimize potential side effects. Children require weight-based dosing which can also be used in adults (50-60 mg/kg)[70,85]. Tranexamic acid is given intravenously at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 8 hours[70]. Both drugs cause nausea, vomiting and rarely thrombotic complications[71].

Topical agents:

Topical bovine thrombin (Thrombin-JMI) is used as a topical agent in the case of minor bleeding from the capillaries and small venules. Fibrin sealant (Tisseel VH^®) is another topical agent which is used in certain surgical situations, but it is ineffective in treating heavy arterial bleeding. It gives good results when used as an adjunct to haemostasis in dental surgery in individuals with VWD[86,87]. Topical collagen sponges are also used in controlling bleeding wounds[88].

CONCLUSIONS

There is an evolution in the direction of genetic testing for the management of families with hereditary bleeding disorders including VWD. Testing centers and counselors play a vital role in supporting the patients. In spite of scientific development in clinical research in bleeding disorders, still there is a need for skilled clinicians and laboratory scientists with expertise in haemostasis. Training opportunities have to be developed for haemostasis specialists.