About
von Willebrand disease (VWD), can be divided into three major types(1):
- Type 1 is characterized by partial quantitative deficiency of functionally normal VWF and type 3 with a complete absence.
- Type 2 VWD is characterized by a qualitatively defective VWF, which results into an asymmetric decrease in VWF activity and VWF antigen (VWF:Ag).
- Type 2 VWD is subdivided into 2A, 2B, 2M, and 2N based on the specific functional defect(s). A fourth type, acquired VWD, is not hereditary. This type of VWD in adults results after a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, or from heart disease or some types of cancer. It can also be due to underlying medical disorder.
People with VWD experience frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, and excessive bleeding during and after invasive procedures, such as tooth extractions and surgery. Women often experience heavy menstrual bleeding (heavy menstrual periods that last longer than average) and haemorrhaging after childbirth.
The choice of an appropriate therapy depends on VWD subtyping and severity.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis and typing of VWD requires the combination of several specialized tests. VWF multimers analysis is the only test allowing to detect abnormalities in multimers distribution, important for VWD subtyping and for finding the etiology of acquired VWD. Using electrophoretic protein separation, VWF multimers can be separated into following classes based on their molecular weight (MW): low (LMWM), intermediate (IMWM) and high MW (HMWM).
The VWF multimeric method based on luminographic detection,(2,3) is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosis VWD but the VWF multimers analysis on-homemade gels is a time consuming and technically challenging method, without standardization and available only in few specialized laboratories.
Sebia's expertise
Thanks to our strong know-how in gel electrophoresis techniques, Sebia commercialized the VWF multimers analysis to significantly improve the efficiency of laboratories performing VWF analysis.
HYDRAGEL von WILLEBRAND MULTIMERS assay allows to assess the overall size distribution of von Willebrand factor multimers in human plasma using agarose gel electrophoresis and immunofixation, with the semi-automated the HYDRASYS 2 instrument.
Featured resources on von Willebrand Disease
See all resourcesEvaluation of a semi-automated von Willebrand factor multimer assay
Algorithm for congenital and acquired von Willebrand disease includes Hydragel vWF multimer analysis.
Improving diagnosis of von Willebrand disease
Multimer analysis to improve von Willebrand disease classification with Hydragel vWF multimer Sebia.
von Willebrand Factor and COVID-19
Correlation of von Willebrand factor with the severity of COVID-9 progression.
von Willebrand Disease Classification
There are three types of von Willebrand Disease. In this leaflet, different cases from congenital and acquired VWD are presented.
The contribution of multimer analysis in the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease
Educational Webinar with Dr. Annette BOWYER, Lead Biomedical Scientist
Recommendations for the laboratory diagnosis of von Willebrand disease
Educational Webinar with Juliana A. Silva
HYDRASYS 2 SCAN FOCUSING: Overview
Learn more about the HYDRASYS 2 SCAN FOCUSING for a fast and user-friendly gel electrophoresis processing.
Upcoming events
See all eventsApr. 11, 2022 Dec. 21, 2024
IFCC Euromedlab 2021
Sebia booth: #121
Sebia Workshop: EduW22
Jun. 27, 2022 Jun. 29, 2022
IFCC Worldlab 2022
Sebia booth: #72
Sebia Workshop: EduW25
von WILLEBRAND Multimer Analysis
Multimer assay simplified.
(1) Sadler JE, Budde U, Eikenboom JC, Favaloro EJ, Hill FG, Holmberg L, et al. Update on the pathophysiology and classification of von Willebrand disease: a report of the Subcommittee on von Willebrand Factor. J Thromb Haemost. 2006;4:2103–14.
(2) Budde U, Schneppenheim R, Plendl H, Dent J, Ruggeri ZM, Zimmerman TS. Luminographic detection of von Willebrand factor multimers in agarose gels and on nitrocellulose membranes. Thromb Haemost. 1990;63:312–5.
(3) Schneppenheim R, Plendl H, Budde U. Luminography–an alternative assay for detection of von Willebrand factor multimers. Thromb Haemost. 1988;60:133–6.
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