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Background: Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most severe form of this disease owing to the almost complete deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Replacement therapy with plasma-derived products containing VWF or recombinant VWF rarely cause the development of alloantibodies against VWF that may be accompanied by anaphylactic reactions. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of anti-VWF alloantibodies in subjects with type 3 VWD enrolled in the 3WINTERS-IPS. Methods: An indirect in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been used to test all the alloantibodies against VWF. Neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) have been tested with a Bethesda-based method by using a VWF collagen binding (VWF:CB) assay. Samples positive for anti-VWF antibodies were further tested with Bethesda-based methods by using the semiautomated gain-of-function glycoprotein-Ib binding (VWF:GPIbM) and a VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: In total, 18 of the 213 (8.4%) subjects tested positive for anti-VWF antibodies and 13 of 213 (6%) had VWF:CB inhibitors. These 13 were among the 18 with anti-VWF antibodies. Of the 5 without VWF:CB inhibitors, 3 had non-neutralizing antibodies, 1 only inhibitor against VWF:GPIbM, and one could not be tested further. Ten of the 13 subjects with VWF:CB inhibitors also had VWF:GPIbM inhibitors, 6 of whom also had VWF:Ag inhibitors. Subjects with inhibitors were homozygous for VWF null alleles (11/14), homozygous for a missense variant (1/14), or partially characterized (2/14). Conclusions: Anti-VWF antibodies were found in 8.4% of subjects with type 3 VWD, whereas neutralizing VWF inhibitors were found in 6%, mainly in subjects homozygous for VWF null alleles. Because inhibitors may be directed toward different VWF epitopes, their detection is dependent on the assay used.

Introduction The sixth angstrom land Islands Conference on von Willebrand disease (VWD) on the angstrom land Islands, Finland, was held from 20 to 22 September 2018. Aim The meeting brought together experts in the field of VWD from around the world to share the latest advances and knowledge in VWD. Results and discussion The topics covered both clinical aspects of disease management, and biochemical and laboratory insights into the disease. The clinical topics discussed included epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of VWD in different countries, management of children with VWD, bleeding control during surgery, specific considerations for the management of type 3 VWD and bleeding control in women with VWD. Current approaches to the management of acquired von Willebrand syndrome were also discussed. Despite significant advances in the understanding and therapeutic options for VWD, there remain many challenges to be overcome in order to optimise patient care. In comparison with haemophilia A, there are very few registries of VWD patients, which would be a valuable source of data on the condition and its management. VWD is still underdiagnosed, and many patients suffer recurrent or severe bleeding that could be prevented. Awareness of VWD among healthcare practitioners, including non-haematologists, should be improved to allow timely diagnosis and intervention. Diagnosis remains challenging, and the development of fast, simple assays may help to facilitate accurate and rapid diagnosis of VWD.

The present review aims to summarize the state-of-the-art von Willebrand disease (VWD) treatment focusing on specific clinical settings (obstetrics, surgery, long-term prophylaxis and comorbidities) as well as on the use of a Von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrate with low FVIII content.Literature research and case reports.Considering that patients affected by VWD have an intact ability to synthesize FVIII, in order to avoid excessive levels of FVIII, a highly purified plasma VWF concentrate with low FVIII content could be particularly useful in those patients and clinical circumstances at high thrombotic risk as well as for long-term prophylaxis. When deciding the optimal therapeutic strategy, physicians should take into account both the patient's history and the differences among available concentrates according to the clinical situations requiring treatment.

This case report highlights the challenges in controlling bleeding and correcting coagulation tests through the use of bypassing agents in patients with FV inhibitors.

Background\ud \ud Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a severe bleeding disorder caused by the virtually complete absence of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Pathophysiological mechanisms of VWD like defective synthesis, secretion, and clearance of VWF have previously been evaluated using ratios of VWF propeptide (VWFpp) over VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and factor (F)VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) over VWF:Ag.\ud \ud \ud \ud Objective\ud \ud To investigate whether the VWFpp/VWF:Ag and FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratios may also be applied to understand the pathophysiological mechanism underlying type 3 VWD and whether VWFpp is associated with bleeding severity.\ud \ud \ud \ud Methods\ud \ud European and Iranian type 3 patients were enrolled in the 3WINTERS-IPS study. Plasma samples and buffy coats were collected and a bleeding assessment tool was administered at enrolment. VWF:Ag, VWFpp, FVIII:C, and genetic analyses were performed centrally, to confirm patients’ diagnoses. VWFpp/VWF:Ag and FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratios were compared among different variant classes using the Mann-Whitney test. Median differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the Hodges-Lehmann method. VWFpp association with bleeding symptoms was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation.\ud \ud \ud \ud Results\ud \ud Homozygosity/compound heterozygosity for missense variants showed higher VWFpp level and VWFpp/VWF:Ag ratio than homozygosity/compound heterozygosity for null variants ([VWFpp median difference, 1.4 IU/dl; 95% CI, 0.2–2.7; P = .016]; [VWFpp/VWF:Ag median difference, 1.4; 95% CI, 0–4.2; P = .054]). FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio was similarly increased in both. VWFpp level did not correlate with the bleeding symptoms (r = .024; P = .778).\ud \ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud \ud An increased VWFpp/VWF:Ag ratio is indicative of missense variants, whereas FVIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio does not discriminate missense from null alleles. The VWFpp level was not associated with the severity of bleeding phenotype.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by quantitative or qualitative deficiencies in von Willebrand factor (VWF). People with VWD may experience excessive, recurrent or prolonged bleeding, particularly during menstruation, childbirth, surgery or following trauma. However, many VWD patients are undiagnosed, and therefore inadequately treated. Reasons for the underdiagnosis of VWD include its relatively mild symptoms, complex diagnosis, lack of awareness among non-specialist healthcare providers and the general population, and a lack of prioritisation of disorders disproportionately affecting females. The vwdtest.com platform was launched as part of a global initiative to raise awareness and improve diagnosis of VWD. Besides providing VWD-specific educational resources, the website includes an online bleeding self-assessment tool and offers diagnostic support for individuals, and their providers, who have a score suggestive of a bleeding disorder. vwdtest.com helps to address these unmet needs, especially in regions with limited access to educational and diagnostic resources.

Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD3) is a rare and severe bleeding disorder characterized by often undetectable von Willebrand factor (VWF) plasma levels, a recessive inheritance pattern, and heterogeneous genotype. The objective of this study was to identify the VWF defects in 265 European and Iranian patients with VWD3 enrolled in 3WINTERS-IPS (Type 3 Von Willebrand International Registries Inhibitor Prospective Study). All analyses were performed in centralized laboratories. The VWF genotype was studied in 231 patients with available DNA (121 [115 families] from Europe [EU], and 110 [91 families] from Iran [IR]). Among 206 unrelated patients, 134 were homozygous (EU/IR = 57/77) and 50 were compound heterozygous (EU/IR = 43/7) for VWF variants. In 22 patients, no or only one variant was found. A total of 154 different VWF variants (EU/IR = 101/58 [5 shared]) were identified among the 379 affected alleles (EU/IR = 210/169), of which 48 (EU/IR = 18/30) were novel. The variants p.Arg1659*, p.Arg1853*, p.Arg2535*, p.Cys275Ser, and delEx1_Ex5 were found in both European and Iranian VWD3 patients. Sixty variants were identified only in a single allele (EU/IR = 50/10), whereas 18 were recurrent (≥3 patients) within 144 affected alleles. Nine large deletions and one large insertion were found. Although most variants predicted null alleles, 21% of patients carried at least 1 missense variant. VWD3 genotype was more heterogeneous in the European population than in the Iranian population, with nearly twice as many different variants. A higher number of novel variants were found in the Iranian VWD3 patients.

Background Type 3 von Willebrand's disease (VWD) patients present markedly reduced levels of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII. Because of its rarity, the bleeding phenotype of type 3 VWD is poorly described, as compared to type 1 VWD. Aims To evaluate the frequency and the severity of bleeding symptoms across age and sex groups in type 3 patients and to compare these with those observed in type 1 VWD patients to investigate any possible clustering of bleeding symptoms within type 3 patients. Methods We compared the bleeding phenotype and computed the bleeding score (BS) using the MCMDM-1VWD bleeding questionnaire in patients enrolled in the 3WINTERS-IPS and MCMDM-1VWD studies. Results In 223 unrelated type 3 VWD patients, both the BS and the number of clinically relevant bleeding symptoms were increased in type 3 as compared to type 1 VWD patients (15 versus 6 and 5 versus 3). Intracranial bleeding, oral cavity, hemarthroses, and deep hematomas were at least five-fold over-represented in type 3 VWD. A more severe bleeding phenotype was evident in patients having von Willebrand factor antigen levels

Ruxolitinib is a highly potent JAK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis (idiopathic or post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia) and, more recently, for polycythemia vera with an inadequate response to or intolerant of hydroxyurea. The most common adverse events of ruxolitinib include immunosuppression with an increased risk of reactivation of silent infections and increased non-melanoma skin cancer. The known neurological side effects of ruxolitinib are dizziness and headache, but no neurological paroxysmal episodes have been recorded. This report deals with an 80-year-old outpatient woman with polycythemia vera turned into myelofibrosis who experienced neurological episodes of hypoesthesia and weakness of right arm and leg during ruxolitinib treatment.

UNLABELLED von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder and is due to a deficiency and/or abnormality of von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD is inherited in an autosomal dominant or recessive pattern, but women are apparently more symptomatic. Diagnosis of VWD is still difficult in most countries due to the multiple activities of VWF and the heterogeneity of the disease. VWD is mainly associated with mild mucosal bleeding although gastrointestinal and joint bleeds may occur in severe VWD forms. This review describes the most recent clinical and laboratory procedures for the correct diagnosis of VWD. Assays for the evaluation of the platelet-dependent VWF activity (PD-VWFact) with or without ristocetin as well as VWF collagen binding (VWF:CB) are currently in use. However, other tests such as VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), factor VIII procoagulant ( FVIII C), ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination (RIPA), multimeric analysis (VWF:MA), VWF propeptide (VWFpp), VWF:FVIII binding assay (VWF:FVIIIB), and the assessment of biological response to desmopressin (DDAVP) are necessary to characterize VWD types. Levels of VWF activities

The fifth Åland Island meeting on von Willebrand disease (VWD) was held on the Åland Islands, Finland, from 22 to 24 September 2016 – 90 years after the first case of VWD was diagnosed in a patient from the Åland Islands in 1926. This meeting brought together experts in the field of VWD to share knowledge and expertise on current trends and challenges in VWD. Topics included the storage and release of von Willebrand factor (VWF), epidemiology and diagnostics in VWD, treatment of VWD, angiogenesis, and VWF inhibitors.

In this issue of Blood, Chung and colleagues demonstrate in vitro and in an animal model that von Willebrand factor (VWF) self-association under shear stress can be modulated by the high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-I (HDL/ApoA-I) complex, with significant reduction in the length and thickness of VWF fibers. These antiadhesive and antithrombotic properties of HDL/ApoA-I may connect the pathology of microvasculature with that of large vessels (atherosclerosis with arterial thrombosis) and might suggest novel approaches to these thrombotic disorders.

VWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder and is due to a deficiency and/or abnormality of VWF. VWD is inherited in an autosomal-dominant or autosomal-recessive pattern, but women are apparently more symptomatic. Three main criteria are required for correct diagnoses of VWD: (1) positive bleeding history since childhood, (2) reduced VWF activity in plasma, and (3) history of bleeding in the family. The bleeding score, together with baseline VWF levels and family history, have been proposed as more evidence-based criteria for VWD. Measurements of a reduced VWF activity in plasma are essential for the diagnosis of VWD; assays for the evaluation of the interactions between VWF and platelet glycoprotein Ib receptor with or without ristocetin, as well as VWF collagen binding, are currently in use. However, other tests such as VWF antigen, factor VIII, ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination, multimeric analysis, VWF propeptide, VWF/FVIII binding assay, and assessment of biological response to desmopressin are necessary to characterize VWD types. Levels of VWF activities

Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most challenging complications encountered in the management of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). The commonest cause is angiodysplasia, but often no cause is identified due to the difficulty in making the diagnosis. The optimal treatment to prevent recurrences remains unknown. We performed a retrospective study of VWD patients with occult or angiodysplastic bleeding within the setting of the von Willebrand Disease Prophylaxis Network (VWD PN) to describe diagnostic and treatment strategies. Centres participating in the VWD PN recruited subjects under their care with a history of congenital VWD and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to angiodysplasia, or cases in which the cause was not identified despite investigation. Patients with acquired von Willebrand syndrome or those for whom the GI bleeding was due to another cause were excluded. Forty-eight patients from 18 centres in 10 countries were recruited. Seven individuals had a family history of GI bleeding and all VWD types except 2N were represented. Angiodysplasia was confirmed in 38%, with video capsule endoscopy and GI tract endoscopies being the most common methods of making the diagnosis. Recurrent GI bleeding in VWD is associated with significant morbidity and required hospital admission on up to 30 occasions. Patients were treated with multiple pharmacological agents with prophylactic von Willebrand factor concentrate being the most efficient in preventing recurrence of the GI bleeding. The diagnosis and treatment of recurrent GI bleeding in congenital VWD remains challenging and is associated with significant morbidity. Prophylactic treatment with von Willebrand factor concentrate was the most effective method of preventing recurrent bleeding but its efficacy remains to be confirmed in a prospective study.

Analyses of the bleeding tendency by means of the bleeding score (BS) have been proposed until now to confirm diagnosis but not to predict clinical outcomes in patients with inherited von Willebrand disease (VWD). We prospectively followed up, for 1 year, 796 Italian patients with different types of VWD to determine whether the previous BS of European VWD1 is useful to predict the occurrence of spontaneous bleeds severe enough to require replacement therapy with desmopressin (DDAVP) and/or von Willebrand factor (VWF)/factor VIII concentrates. Among the 796 patients included, 75 (9.4%) needed treatment of 232 spontaneous bleeding events. BS10 and VWF:ristocetin cofactor activity10 U/dL were associated with the risk of bleeding, but only a BS10 remained highly associated in a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model (adjusted hazard ratio: 7.27 [95% confidence interval, 3.83-13.83]). Although the bleeding event-free survival was different in VWD types, only a BS10 could predict for each type which patient had bleeding events severe enough to require treatment with DDAVP and/or concentrates. Therefore, BS can be considered a simple predictor of clinical outcomes of VWD and may identify patients needing intensive therapeutic regimens.

Background Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, although the lack of a precise definition precludes accurate data of the absolute prevalence of PPH. Study Design and Methods An international expert panel in obstetrics, gynecology, hematology, transfusion, and anesthesiology undertook a comprehensive review of the literature. At a meeting in November 2011, the panel agreed on a definition of severe PPH that would identify those women who were at a high risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Results The panel agreed on the following definition for severe persistent (ongoing) PPH: “Active bleeding >1000 mL within the 24 hours following birth that continues despite the use of initial measures including first-line uterotonic agents and uterine massage.” A treatment algorithm for severe persistent PPH was subsequently developed. Initial evaluations include measurement of blood loss and clinical assessments of PPH severity. Coagulation screens should be performed as soon as persistent (ongoing) PPH is diagnosed, to guide subsequent therapy. If initial measures fail to stop bleeding and uterine atony persists, second- and third-line (if required) interventions should be instated. These include mechanical or surgical maneuvers, i.e., intrauterine balloon tamponade or hemostatic brace sutures with hysterectomy as the final surgical option for uncontrollable PPH. Pharmacologic options include hemostatic agents (tranexamic acid), with timely transfusion of blood and plasma products playing an important role in persistent and severe PPH. Conclusion Early, aggressive, and coordinated intervention by health care professionals is critical in minimizing blood loss to ensure optimal clinical outcomes in management of women with severe, persistent PPH.

A 3-1/2-year-old male with no personal or family history of bleeding disorders presented with abdominal distension, epistaxis, and anemia (hemoglobin 8.2 g/dL). A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the abdomen demonstrated a mass arising from the left kidney. Preoperative laboratory studies revealed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time of 49.2 seconds, a normal prothrombin time of 12.4 seconds, and a platelet count of 230 000/μL. Further testing revealed factor VIII (FVIII) activity of 16%, factor IX (FIX) activity of 74%, von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity of 12%, VWF antigen activity of 31%, and decreased high-molecular-weight VWF multimers consistent with acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). What is the best treatment for this child?

Recent advances in the care of von Willebrand's disease (vWD) have allowed the majority of patients to be managed adequately. Even in the more severe forms, it is now possible to control recurrent bleeding through secondary long-term prophylaxis with von Willebrand factor-containing concentrates. Moreover, in the setting of surgical prophylaxis, the combination of interdisciplinary management and close patient monitoring yields a positive outcome in nearly all cases, although safety concerns remain. In clinical practice, the effectiveness of therapy is hindered by the difficulties in making a rapid, yet accurate diagnosis, in identifying the subgroup of bleeders who may benefit most from a specific strategy, and in selecting the optimal product and regimen.Since specific guidelines for heavy bleeders requiring short- and long-term prophylaxis are still lacking, sharing the experience of experts dealing with vWD patients on a daily basis is crucial to fill gaps in information relating to patient management. To address this important issue, 13 Italian haematologists met in Milan on April, 2, 2016 and in Florence on July, 9, 2016. A 30-question survey constituted the input to discuss (i) optimisation of the diagnostic workflow for vWD, (ii) the characteristics of patients who may benefit from secondary long-term prophylaxis (in particular with the purified von Willebrand factor concentrate with a low content of factor VIII), (iii) the key elements to consider when selecting a concentrate and (iv) the pre-operative and post-operative management of vWD patients. A summary of the main points covered is provided in this report.

Type 2B von Willebrand disease (VWD2B) is a rare, autosomal-dominant inherited bleeding disorder, characterized by an enhanced ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma and often with variable degree of thrombocytopenia and loss of high-molecular-weight multimers von Willebrand factor (VWF). All these phenomena are caused by a mutant VWF, normally synthesized and assembled by endothelial cells, but with heightened affinity binding to the platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib-α (GpIb-α). When this abnormal VWF is released into the circulation and under specific clinical circumstances, in vivo platelet clumping is observed. Mutations, invariably clustered in exon 28 of the VWF gene encoding for the VWF A1 domain involved in VWF binding to GpIb-α, are responsible for VWD2B phenotype. Clinical and laboratory phenotype appears strongly related to the type of VWF-causative mutations. However, recent evidences suggest that a true platelet defect is also present in this type, with several morphological and functional abnormalities being detected in a subset of VWD2B patients.

The State of the Art in von Willebrand disease (VWD) has been impacted not only by discoveries in the field of haemostasis, but also by changes in practice in other fields. The development of bleeding assessment tools has led to the clarification of bleeding symptoms and phenotype in VWD. New discoveries in the biology and genetics of von Willebrand factor (VWF) are challenging our existing diagnostics and classification(s). An improved understanding of reproductive physiology and the pathology of VWD along with changing obstetric, gynaecologic and haemostatic therapies necessitate an evolving response to the care of women with VWD. The survival of patients with autoimmune disease, malignancies and congenital heart disease along with increasing use of circulatory support devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasing the prevalence of acquired von Willebrand syndrome. In each of these challenges, there are opportunities to improve the care of our patients with VWD.

Development of FVIII inhibitors is currently the most severe and challenging complication of haemophilia A treatment and represents a very large economic burden for a chronic disease. As a result, clinical research is making major efforts to optimize the therapeutic approaches for this condition. In this section we will review some important aspects of the management of haemophilia in adults, including an overview of bleeding in women with von Willebrand disease, an analysis of FVIII consumption in patients with severe haemophilia A, an update of the ongoing RES.I.ST study, long-term prophylaxis and experience from the Pro.Will study, current evidence relating to economic aspects of the treatment of haemophilic patients with inhibitors (based on the PROFIT study), and an overview of musculoskeletal complications in adults with severe bleeding disorders.

To report the first case of fertility treatment in a patient with May-Hegglin anomaly, a rare hematological disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. We present a case report of a 40-year-old nulliparous patient with May-Hegglin anomaly who underwent her first ICSI cycle with transfer of three fresh embryos. Prophylactic platelet transfusion obtained by single-donor apheresis was performed 1 h before the oocyte pick up. No complications were reported. No pregnancy was obtained. We report about the possibility to assist women affected by May-Hegglin anomaly requiring reproductive assistance. However, a multidisciplinary team composed of gynecologists and hematologists should follow such patients carefully, in order to carry out a complete clinical evaluation and to prevent the potential risks of bleeding. Clinicians must be vigilant in their presentation of risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Summary. von Willebrand factor (VWF) has the capa-city to form a complex with factor VIII (FVIII) whichmay modulate the immunogenicity of FVIII. It has beenproposed that a significant fraction of recombinantFVIII (rFVIII) is unable to bind VWF. In an experi-mental model studied at the McMaster University inCanada, this VWF-unbound rFVIII fraction showed nocoagulant function. Sulphation of FVIII tyrosine (Tyr)1680 has been reported as essential for the interactionwith VWF. In a study performed at the Grifols andCNS-CSIC in Spain, Tyr1680 sulphation was observedto be incomplete in rFVIII and complete in plasma-derived FVIII (pdFVIII). This could explain the incap-ability of some rFVIII molecules to bind VWF.Experience with immune tolerance induction (ITI) atthe Bonn Haemophilia Centre indicates that onlyeradication of FVIII inhibitors allows safe haemostasiscontrol and the option of prophylactic treatment.Various clinical trials were planned to evaluate theclinical role VWF-containing FVIII concentrates (FVIII/VWF). RES.I.ST (an acronym for REScue Immunoto-lerance STudy) is an international, prospective studyaimed at assessing whether FVIII/VWF can induce ITI inhigh-risk haemophilia patients (RES.I.ST nai¨ve) andwhether patients who previously failed ITI with FVIIIalone can be rescued with FVIII/VWF (RES.I.STexperienced). Enrolment started in November 2009.In the FAIReSt.Will (Fanhdi and Alphanate ItalianRetrospective Study in Willebrand disease) study, 120von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients treated withFanhdi or Alphanate were retrospectively analysed.Efficacy was excellent and no side effects were reported.The ongoing PRO.Will study is a prospective, multi-center trial aimed at assessing the efficacy, safety andpharmacoeconomics of secondary long-term prophy-laxis in patients with severe inherited VWD.Keywords: factor VIII, immune tolerance induction, immu-nogenicity, inhibitors, Tyrosine 1680, von Willebrandfactor

The acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a bleeding disorder that is frequently unrecognized or is misdiagnosed as von Willebrand disease. AVWS is characterized by structural or functional defects of von Willebrand factor (VWF) that are secondary to autoimmune, lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative, malignant, cardiovascular, or other disorders. VWF abnormalities in these disorders can result from (1) antibody-mediated clearance or functional interference, (2) adsorption to surfaces of transformed cells or platelets, or (3) increased shear stress and subsequent proteolysis. Diagnosis can be challenging as no single test is usually sufficient to prove or exclude AVWS. Furthermore, there are no evidence-based guidelines for management. Treatments of the underlying medical condition, including chemo/radiotherapy, surgery, or immunosuppressants can result in remission of AVWS, but is not always feasible and successful. Because of the heterogeneous mechanisms of AVWS, more than one therapeutic approach is often required to treat acute bleeds and for prophylaxis during invasive procedures; the treatment options include, but are not limited to, desmopressin, VWF-containing concentrates, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis or recombinant factor VIIa. Here, we review the management of AVWS with an overview on the currently available evidence and additional considerations for typical treatment situations.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder and is caused by quantitative or qualitative defects of von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF, synthesized by endothelium and megakaryocytes (MK), circulates in plasma and is present in subendothelium and platelets. Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) and progenitor endothelial cells (EPC) have been recently proposed as markers of peripheral and bone marrow-derived angiogenesis. To evaluate the association of CEC/EPC with known inherited defects of cellular and circulating VWF, we have measured the number of CEC/EPC together with cytokines involved in angiogenesis in different VWD types. A group of 74 patients was composed by the following VWD types: VWD1 (n = 22), VWD2A (n = 9), VWD2B (n = 19), VWD2M (n = 17), and VWD3 (n = 7). Healthy individuals (n = 20) were used as controls. CEC (CD146+, CD31+, and CD45−) and EPC (CD34+, CD133+, and CD45−) were evaluated by flow cytometry. Circulating serum levels of VEGF, E-selectin, P-selectin, EPO, and TPO were determined by ELISA. CEC, VEGF, E-selectin, and EPO were higher and EPC lower in VWD patients than in controls (P < 0.01). Among the five groups of VWD patients and controls, a significant difference was found for CEC (one-way ANOVA: P = 0.005), EPC (P = 0.001), E-Selectin (P < 0.0001), EPO (P = 0.021), and TPO (P = 0.004): the latter was high in VWD3 patients. In VWD1, we found an inverse relationship between CEC and VWF:Ag levels (P = 0.048; R2 = 0.19). Based on these data, CEC are increased in VWD and are associated with the high levels of cytokines involved in angiogenesis (up-regulation). EPC are decreased, suggesting down-regulation of bone marrow-derived angiogenesis in VWD. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is a rare bleeding disorder with laboratory findings similar to those for congenital von Willebrand disease (VWD). Unlike VWD, AVWS usually occurs in individuals with no personal or family history of bleeding. The prevalence of AVWS in the general population is unknown because data from large prospective studies of this syndrome are not available. Although AVWS is more frequently associated with lympho-myeloproliferative and cardiovascular disorders, it can also occur in solid tumors and in immunological and other miscellaneous conditions. Among these miscellaneous conditions, hypothyroidism has been associated with AVWS type 1 with a frequency of ~2 to 5%. In the 47 cases reported in the literature, the low VWF is apparently due to a reduction in its synthesis and/or secretion. Diagnosis of AVWS is based on assays measuring the level and activity of von Willebrand factor (VWF). These tend to be low, whereas factor VIII (FVIII) coagulant activity can be normal. In patients with AVWS associated with hypothyroidism, mucocutaneous bleeding episodes are the most frequent and can be managed with local therapy and/or systemic administrations of antifibrinolytic agents and desmopressin. VWF/FVIII concentrates have been used in only a few patients. The use of thyroid hormones can reverse this abnormality.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome type 2A in a JAK2-positive essential thrombocythaemia-affected member of a large von Willebrand disease family with a novel autosomal dominant A1716P mutation

Acute menorrhagia is a common gynecological disorder. Prevalence is high among women with inherited bleeding disorders and recent guidance for optimal management is lacking. Following a comprehensive review of the literature, an international expert panel in obstetrics, gynecology and hematology reached consensus on recommendations regarding the management of acute menorrhagia in women without a diagnosed bleeding disorder, as well as in patients with von Willebrand disease, platelet function disorders and other rare hemostatic disorders. The causes and predictors of acute menorrhagia are discussed and special consideration is given for the treatment of women on anticoagulation therapy. This review and accompanying recommendations will provide guidance for healthcare practitioners in the emergency management of acute menorrhagia.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Desmopressin is a known haemostatic agent and is also being used, albeit at lower doses, during the diagnostic work-up of Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by excess cortisol concentrations and frequent thromboembolic events. No study has yet evaluated whether admininistration of desmopressin for diagnostic purposes induces significant, adverse changes in endothelial cell markers in these patients. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Administration of desmopressin to patients with Cushing's disease induces changes in endothelial cell markers comparable with those observed in obese and normal weight subjects. It follows, that desmopressin testing does not induce disease-specific untoward changes in coagulatory markers in patients with endogenous hypercortisolism and its use in this context appears safe. AIMS Desmopressin, a vasopressin analogue, is used for various clinical purposes, including haemostasis and, in recent times, the diagnostic work-up of patients with Cushing's syndrome, a condition associated with a known prothrombotic profile. We decided to evaluate whether and to what extent a diagnostic dose of desmopressin induces significant changes in endothelial parameters in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) and obese and normal weight controls. METHODS Twelve patients with CD, 10 obese and five normal weight controls were studied. Von Willebrand antigen (VWF : Ag), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) were measured at baseline and up to 4 h after 10 µg desmopressin i.v. RESULTS Desmopressin 10 µg transiently increased VWF : Ag and t-PA and decreased PAI-1 in all subjects. The magnitude of the VWF : Ag and t-PA increases after desmopressin was comparable in the three groups (VWF : Ag peak-to-basal ratio 1.9 ± 0.17, 1.5 ± 0.11 and 1.8 ± 0.13 and t-PA peak-to-basal ratio 1.6 ± 0.18, 1.6 ± 0.20 and 1.8 ± 0.24 for CD, obese and controls, respectively, all NS). The PAI-1 decrease observed in patients with CD was comparable with obese (0.7 ± 0.07 and 0.6 ± 0.09, NS) and controls (0.7 ± 0.07 vs. 0.4 ± 0.09, P= 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Administration of desmopressin to patients with CD for diagnostic purposes induces a transitory increase in VWF : Ag counterbalanced by a decrease in PAI-1 and increase in t-PA. The magnitude of these changes is largely comparable with that observed in obese and normal weight controls. Our data show that testing with desmopressin does not induce disease-specific changes in endothelial markers in patients with CD.

Although rare, type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD3) is of major interest because of its severe clinical presentation, the need for replacement therapy with von Willebrand Factor (VWF) concentrates and the risk of anti-VWF inhibitors. To better characterize the clinical and laboratory features of this rare inherited bleeding disorder, a large cohort of VWD3 patients has been enrolled into the type 3 Von Willebrand International RegistrieSInhibitor Prospective Study. 3WINTERS-IPS is a no-profit, investigators initiated, multicenter, European-Iranian (EU-IR) observational, retrospective and prospective study on patients with VWD3 diagnosis. One of the aims of 3WINTERS-IPS is to assess the efficacy and safety of VWF concentrates with or without FVIII, including the risk of anti-VWF antibodies, in a large cohort of centrally confirmed VWD3 patients. A total of 260 previously diagnosed VWD3 cases were enrolled into the study from 18-EU and 7-IR investigation sites (retrospective registries) and reassessed by 5 expert labs for phenotypic and genotypic analyses to confirm VWD3 diagnosis (central confirmation). Only 201/260 (77%) cases with centrally confirmed VWD3 diagnosis were included into the 24-month clinical observation (prospective phase) registered as NCT02460458 into Clinical-Trials.gov. All the clinical and laboratory data were reported by investigators into the database online organized by a CRO under the direct supervision of the Scientific Coordinators. Clinical results on the efficacy and safety of VWF concentrates during the first 18-month observation are currently available on 149/201 (74%) VWD3 patients (EU=62/IR=87) with the following sex (M/F) and age (Mean-SD, Median) distribution: 86/115 and 28.9-18, 27. Anti-VWF antibodies were confirmed in 16/201 (8%) VWD3: these patients are under treatment with recombinant FVIII without VWF or recombinant activated Factor VII. Being 3WINTERS-IPS a non-interventional study, the therapeutic approaches such as on demand (OD) or secondary long-term prophylaxis (SLTP) with the assigned VWF concentrates with or without FVIII (FANHDI, HAEMATE-P, WILATE, WILFACTIN) were decided by local investigators. The number of VWD3 treated OD/SLTP were 106/43 with more cases under SLTP at EU than at IR sites (28/15). Cases under OD/SLTP with bleeds were 73/106(69%) of OD and 21/43(48%) of SLTP. To compare the results of OD/SLTP groups, data obtained were divided by case number and by months to calculate the mean (range) annual bleeding rate (ABR). ABR observed so far in OD/SLTP is 4.3 (2.8-5.8)/3.1(1.4-3.8) with nose (29/28%), joint (19/24%), uterus (13/23%) bleeds being the most frequent sites. To manage (OD) or prevent (SLTP) bleeds the mean (range) consumption of VWF:RCo units of VWF concentrates per patient were 4800 (1800-15.500) and 8000 (5000-10.500) units, respectively. During follow-up VWD3 patients under OD/SLTP were exposed to 17/10 minor/major surgeries with 14.900 (9.500-22.000)/17.200 (12.800-31.000) VWF:RCo Units used per surgery. Efficacy of the different VWF concentrates was reported as good/excellent during bleeds and surgeries. No side effects related to VWF concentrates were reported by investigators: no additional anti-VWF antibodies were found after the use of VWF concentrates. Based on this interim analyses on the largest cohort of VWD3 currently under prospective observation, the frequency of spontaneous bleeds assessed by ABR seems lower than expected by the severe VWF defect of VWD3. So far, the use of SLTP seems to reduce the ABR. However, a longer prospective observation (from 2 to 5 years) with 3WINTERS-IPS-EXTENDED is required to characterize bleeding phenotype of VWD3 patients and to prepare recommendations on the appropriate use (OD/SLTP) of the VWF concentrates Disclosures Leebeek: Uniqure: Research Funding; Baxalta/Shire: Research Funding; CSL Behring: Research Funding. Peyvandi:Kedrion: Consultancy; Kedrion: Consultancy; Kedrion: Consultancy; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria. Eikenboom:CSL: Research Funding.

Background: The type 3 Von Willebrand International RegistrieSInhibitor Prospective Study (3WINTERS-IPS) is a no-profit, investigator initiated, multicenter, European-Iranian observational, retrospective and prospective study on patients with diagnosis of type 3 VWD. Patients with type 3 von Willebrand Disease (VWD3) have markedly reduced levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and very severe bleeding phenotype. Due to the recessive inheritance pattern, VWD3 is by definition a rare bleeding disorder (1:Million) but its prevalence may increase in countries like Iran with consanguineous marriages. Aim: To identify the VWF genetic defects in a cohort of European and Iranian patients with previously diagnosed VWD3 enrolled into the 3WINTERS-IPS project. Methods: Patients classified locally as VWD3 were enrolled in the study following informed consent. 141 patients were from 9 different European countries and 119 patients were from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Plasma/buffy-coat samples were sent to expert labs to confirm patient's laboratory phenotype and to perform molecular analysis. PCR and Sanger sequencing/ next generation sequencing and multiplex-ligation dependent probe amplification were used in Hamburg, Sheffield and Milan to confirm previously identified variants or to seek previously unidentified variants. Results: DNA samples from 122 patients from Europe and 114 patients from Iran were analyzed at the molecular level. Of the 236 VWD3 patients under evaluation 24 are still in progress. Of the 212 fully evaluated patients 139 were homozygous (EU/IR=46/93) and 43 were compound heterozygous (EU/IR=36/7). In the remaining 30 patients no variants were identified in 19 samples (EU/IR=6/13) and only one variant was found in the remaining 11 cases (EU/IR=10/1). 135 (EU/IR=82/53) different gene defects were identified among the 375 (EU/IR=174/201) alleles found in this study. Of these 135 variants identified 51(EU/IR=22/29) were not reported on the www.ensembl.org database. The distribution of the different type of variants identified in the two populations is shown in the Figure. The two charts are showing quite similar percentages of the variants identified, with a main exception for the Small deletions and Small insertions. Only five variants are shared among the two populations. Three of these are the "hotspot" variants at the Arg codon, p.Arg1659* (EU/IR=9/8), p.Arg1853* (EU/IR=2/3) and p.Arg2535* (EU/IR=1/2). However, a missense variant , p.Cys275Ser (EU/IR=1/2) and a large deletion, delEx1_Ex5 (EU/IR=1/2) were also found in both populations. Fifteen variants were recurrent and were found in 154 alleles, whereas 49 variants were found only once in the heterozygous state (EU/IR=40/9) and 50 variants were found only twice, mainly in the homozygous state (EU/IR=25/25). Six large deletions were identified (delEx1_Ex3, delEx1_Ex5, delEx14_Ex15, delEx17, delEx35_Ex52 and delEx1_Ex52) and a duplication (dupEx1_Ex28), nevertheless 52 alleles with missense variants were identified (EU/IR=20/32). Discussion: As expected, the majority of the Iranian patients were found to be homozygous (Homozygous/Compound Heterozygous=93/7) reflecting a high rate of consanguinity, nevertheless half of the European patients were found to be homozygous (Homozygous/Compound Heterozygous=46/36). The European populations demonstrated a higher heterogeneity of variants with 82 different variants among the 175 mutated alleles vs 53 different variants among the 201 mutated alleles identified in the Iranian population. Nevertheless, a higher number of previously unreported variants was found in the Iranian population (29) vs the European one (22), probably due to bias of previous investigations performed in European patients. Figure Figure. Disclosures Peyvandi: Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Kedrion: Consultancy; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau. Schneppenheim:CSL Behring: Consultancy; SHIRE: Consultancy. Berntorp:Octapharma: Consultancy; CSL Behring: Consultancy; Shire: Consultancy, Other: honoraria for lecturing . Eikenboom:CSL: Research Funding. Mannucci:Bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Alexion: Speakers Bureau; Baxalta/Shire: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau. Mazzucconi:Baxalta-Shire: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Bayer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis,: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; CSL Behring: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Oldenburg:Swedish Orphan Biovitrum: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Grifols: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Biogen Idec: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Chugai: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Biotest: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; CSL Behring: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Octapharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Patients with type 3 von Willebrand Disease (VWD) usually have markedly reduced FVIII/VWF levels and very severe bleeding manifestations but, because of their rarity, their bleeding phenotype is poorly described. We aimed at evaluating the distribution of bleeding symptoms in patients with type 3 VWD, comparing them with previously available data from a cohort of type 1 patients, and describing site-specific clustering of bleeding symptoms in these patients. We analyzed clinical data from the type 3 Von Willebrand International RegistrieS Inhibitor Prospective Study (3WINTERS-IPS),a no-profit, investigators initiated, multicenter, European-Iranian observational, retrospective and prospective study on patients with diagnosis of type 3 VWD. Aims of the 3WINTERS-IPS is 3-fold: a) to identify the main phenotypic and molecular characteristics of a large cohort of VWD patients; b) to evaluate the risk factors responsible for the severe bleeding phenotype; c) to assess the efficacy and safety of the treatment with VWF concentrates with or without FVIII including the risk of anti-VWF antibodies. Retrospective information on bleeding symptoms at presentation was collected using the MCMDM-1 VWD bleeding questionnaire, and bleeding severity summarized as bleeding score. Individual bleeding symptoms were considered as relevant when having a score >1 (hence requiring medical attention). Data was compared with that retrieved from the MCMDM-1 VWD study database on patients affected by type 1 VWD (index cases and affected family members). The study enrolled a total of 260 patients, of which we analysed 243 patients with available bleeding score at recruitment. The median age at study inclusion was 29 years (interquantile range, 26.5 years); 140 were females (53.8%). There were 108 patients of Iranian descent, while the remaining of patients were from Europe. The median number of bleeding symptoms was 5, and the median bleeding score was 15 (interquantile range, 13). Only 7/243 patients (2.8%) had a single bleeding symptom. Epistaxis was the most frequent relevant symptom, being present in 195 patients (80.2%), followed by menorrhagia in 99 females (70.7%). Males had a higher frequency of hemarthroses and hematomas than females (53.4% vs 42.1% and 40.8% vs 27.1%, respectively). When comparing the clinical presentation of type 3 vs. type 1 VWD, clearly increased bleeding scores were evident for all age-classes and even in paediatric cases. The association between symptoms having a relative frequency >20% is presented in the circle diagram, showing that some symptoms appeared to cluster with others in a variable degree (e.g., menorrhagia with epistaxis, hemarthrosis or oral cavity bleeding; post-extraction bleeding again with epistaxis, hemarthrosis or oral cavity bleeding; surgical bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding with epistaxis alone). These findings confirm the severity of type 3 VWD and extend the knowledge of symptoms distribution in the widest available cohort of type 3 VWD patients. Disclosures Tosetto: Stago, Novo-Nordisk, BMS: Speakers Bureau; Werfen: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau. Berntorp:Octapharma: Consultancy; CSL Behring: Consultancy; Shire: Consultancy, Other: honoraria for lecturing . Eikenboom:CSL: Research Funding. Mazzucconi:Baxalta-Shire: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Bayer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis,: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; CSL Behring: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Oldenburg:Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Biogen Idec: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Chugai: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Grifols: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Shire: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Octapharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novo Nordisk: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; CSL Behring: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Biotest: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Swedish Orphan Biovitrum: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Peyvandi:Kedrion: Consultancy; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Kedrion: Consultancy; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Ablynx: Other: Member of Advisory Board, Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Grifols: Speakers Bureau; Kedrion: Consultancy; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Novo Nordisk: Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Speakers Bureau; Octapharma US: Honoraria; Sobi: Speakers Bureau. Schneppenheim:SHIRE: Consultancy; CSL Behring: Consultancy. Tiede:Alnylam, Bayer, Biogen Idec, Biotest, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL Behring, Leo Pharma, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, Roche, Shire, and SOBI: Consultancy; Alnylam, Bayer, Biogen Idec, Biotest, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL Behring, Leo Pharma, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, Roche, Shire, and SOBI: Honoraria; Alnylam, Bayer, Biogen Idec, Biotest, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL Behring, Leo Pharma, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, Roche, Shire, and SOBI: Research Funding.

P>The relationships between the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100 and von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels and bleeding score (BS) were evaluated within a multicentre project on Molecular and Clinical Markers for the Diagnosis and Management of type 1 von Willebrand disease (MCMDM-1VWD). PFA-100 closure time, either with epinephrine (EPI) or adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-cartridges, was measured in 107 index cases, 105 affected and 71 unaffected family members, and 79 healthy controls. By regression analysis VWF levels were strongly related to both closure times, with a non-linear progression. In a multiple stepwise regression model, age- and sex-adjusted PFA-100 ADP and VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) were independently associated with BS. Most of the variation of BS was predicted by PFA-100 ADP and VWF:RCo alone. In the subgroup of patients with subtle abnormalities of the multimeric pattern, VWF was invariably reduced and closure time prolonged in almost all of them. Neither PFA-100 ADP nor EPI closure times appeared to significantly improve the diagnostic capability of VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) measurement. Thus, in an unselected population a normal PFA-100 would be useful to exclude VWD, but whether it could replace the more specific VWF assay in patients with significant mucocutaneous bleeding symptoms remains to be investigated prospectively.

Despite the outstanding progress in understanding the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of von Willebrand disease (VWD), the general awareness about its true prevalence and heterogeneity of clinical features remain still incomplete. In Italy, a previous registry (RENAWI) has provided accurate clinical and laboratory data on 1,234 patients with VWD from 16 Italian centers. Currently, the National Registry on Inherited bleeding disorders, established in 1989, is gathering data on these disorders from 48 hemophilia treatment centers. As of October 2017, it includes data on 3,196 VWD patients. Diagnosis relies on the single center criteria. Type 1 VWD patients are 2,387 (74.7%), type 2 694 (21.7%), and type 3 115 (3.6%). Desmopressin appears to be widely used in type 1 and in a few cases of type 2A, 2M, and 2N. Seven patients with type 3 VWD reported anaphylactic reaction to plasma-derived von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrate and all have homozygous VWF gene deletion. A significant proportion of patients with type 3 and to a lesser extent type 2A and 2B are on prophylaxis for joint or gastrointestinal bleeds. Increasing awareness and improved data collection have allowed a better understanding of the pathophysiology and the risk of bleeding and appropriate management in VWD in Italy.

The efficacy of highly purified VWF/FVIII concentrates with standardized ristocetin cofactor content (VWF:RCo) has been already proven in patients with von Willebrand's disease (VWD). Aim of this retrospective study is to confirm efficacy and safety of two highly purified, doubly virus-inactivated VWF/FVIII concentrates in a large cohort of patients with VWD who were characterized at enrolment by bleeding severity score. Study drugs Alphanate or Fanhdi were given to 120 cases (51 males, 69 females, median age 50 years, range 6-83 years). Patients had VWD3 (10), VWD2A (19), VWD2B (25), VWD2M (10) and DDAVP-unresponsive VWD1 (56) and a median bleeding severity score of 8 (range 0-27). A total of 114 bleeding episodes in 55 cases and 131 surgical procedures in 85 cases could be analysed. Excellent-good clinical responses were seen in 97% of bleeding episodes and in 99% of surgical procedures. To prevent recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, cerebral (CNS) haemorrhage, haemarthroses, urogenital or multisite bleeding in more severe patients, secondary prophylaxis was also carried out in 15 cases with VWD3 (3), VWD2A (3), VWD2B (2), VWD1 (7). A median dose of 42 IU VWF:RCo kg(-1) given every other day or twice a week over a median period of 334 days (range 24-799) prevented bleeding completely in 13 cases and reduced its incidence in the remaining two. These results confirm the efficacy and safety of the study concentrates, not only in the management of bleeding and surgery but also in secondary prophylaxis of severe VWD.

Summary. Background: Type IIH von Willebrand disease was reported 20 years ago as a novel variant characterized by the loss of the largest multimers in plasma and platelets and absence of the typical triplet structure. Objectives and methods: The propositus and his daughter have been reinvestigated and characterized at the molecular level. The identified mutations were expressed in COS-7 cells to evaluate the mechanism of this variant. Results and Discussion: The propositus had normal von Willebrand factor (VWF):ristocetin cofactor activity (RCo) and high VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) values, with a low VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratio (0.51). No abnormalities were found in his daughter, except for the reduced triplet structure in plasma VWF and diminished ultralarge VWF (ULVWF) multimers in platelets. Three mutations were identified in the propositus: 604C>T (R202W), 4748G>A (R1583Q), and 2546G>A (C849Y). The amounts of secreted recombinant VWF (rVWF) were apparently increased for R202W (130%), R202W-R1583Q (131%), and R202W-R1583Q/WT (121%), reduced for C849Y (72%) and C849Y/WT (83%), and normal for R1583Q (107%) and R202W-R1583Q/C849Y (102%). In cell lysates, higher values were found in association with the C849Y mutation. A normal multimeric pattern was found in R1583Q rVWF, mainly dimers in R202W rVWF, and intermediate molecular weight multimers in C849Y rVWF. Hybrid R202W-R1583Q/WT and C849Y/WT rVWFs had a nearly normal multimeric pattern, whereas in hybrid R202W-R1583Q/C849Y rVWF there was a loss of large/intermediate multimers. Conclusions: The propositus phenotype seems to be due to mutations R202W and C849Y, both affecting the VWF multimerization process and, for C849Y rVWF, intracellular survival. The absent triplet multimeric structure in the propositus and its reduction in his daughter appears to be related to the lack of ULVWF multimers, which mainly contribute to the formation of satellite bands.