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Semin Thromb Hemost 2014; 40(06): 640-644
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1389079
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

von Willebrand Factor and Aging

Barbara A. Konkle
1   Puget Sound Blood Center, Seattle, Washington
2   Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 August 2014 (online)

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Abstract

von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays critical roles in initiating primary hemostasis and extending the half-life of coagulation factor VIII in circulation. VWF levels increase with age and elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) due to a deficiency or dysfunction of VWF may have symptoms that ameliorate with aging or may have exacerbation of their disease. Bleeding sites of particular challenge in the aging patient include gastrointestinal bleeding and hematuria. Some medications used to treat VWD should be used with special precaution in older patients, including desmopressin and VWF-containing factor concentrates. Patients with VWD may have some protection from CVD, but in those patients who develop CVD, management is very challenging, given the role of antiplatelet therapy as the mainstay of treatment.

Keywords

von Willebrand factor - von Willebrand disease - factor VIII - hemorrhage - thrombosis - aging
 

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