Von Willebrand Disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in the world yet it remains widely misunderstood, frequently under diagnosed and often misdiagnosed. First identified in 1926 by Dr Erik Von Willebrand, the condition affects the body’s ability to form stable blood clots. People with VWD lack or have a defect in the adhesive protein that helps platelets stick to injured tissue and stop bleeding.

For most people a small cut stops bleeding within 4 - 9 minutes, but for someone with VWD the bleeding can continue for 20 - 25 minutes or longer. The condition can cause frequent nosebleeds, excessive bleeding from minor injuries or surgery, heavy menstrual bleeding, complications during childbirth and bruising that appears easily or in large painful lumps.

Despite its prevalence, VWD is still significantly under diagnosed. In Australia and New Zealand, more than 7,500 people have been formally diagnosed, but experts estimate that globally up to nine out of ten people with VWD do not yet know they have it. Accurate diagnosis requires specialised testing and experienced clinicians which is why research and awareness are so critical.

NSW Health Pathology at Westmead Hospital is recognised as a leading hub for VWD diagnosis and research. Scientists and clinicians such as Dr Emmanuel Favaloro and Associate Professor Jennifer Curnow are dedicated to improving testing, understanding the condition more deeply and ultimately improving the lives of those affected.