For von Willebrand disease, which treatment is commonly used to improve hemostasis?

For von Willebrand disease, which treatment is commonly used to improve hemostasis?

• A. Vitamin K
• B. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
• C. Fresh frozen plasma
• D. Cryoprecipitate

Answer: (B)

In von Willebrand disease, the problem is a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, which impairs platelet adhesion to damaged vessels. Desmopressin (DDAVP) works by triggering the endothelium to release stored von Willebrand factor and also raises factor VIII levels. This transient boost in vWF improves platelet adhesion and stabilizes clot formation, so it’s commonly used to improve hemostasis in many patients with mild to moderate VWD (especially type 1 and some type 2). Vitamin K won’t help because VWD isn’t a deficiency of vitamin K–dependent factors. Fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate can provide von Willebrand factor, but they are less targeted, carry more risks, and are used when DDAVP isn’t suitable or rapid correction is needed.

In von Willebrand disease, the problem is a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, which impairs platelet adhesion to damaged vessels. Desmopressin (DDAVP) works by triggering the endothelium to release stored von Willebrand factor and also raises factor VIII levels. This transient boost in vWF improves platelet adhesion and stabilizes clot formation, so it’s commonly used to improve hemostasis in many patients with mild to moderate VWD (especially type 1 and some type 2).

Vitamin K won’t help because VWD isn’t a deficiency of vitamin K–dependent factors. Fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate can provide von Willebrand factor, but they are less targeted, carry more risks, and are used when DDAVP isn’t suitable or rapid correction is needed.