von Willebrand Disease: Diagnostic Strategies and Treatment Options

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is one of the most common inherited bleeding disorders. Since its first description in 1926, the diagnosis and management of VWD has significantly improved owing to increasing scientific knowledge of the genetics and biology of von Willebrand factor (VWF). This article reviews the molecular structure and function of VWF as well as the clinical symptoms, laboratory-based diagnostic workup, and classification schema for VWD. It highlights current treatment options and state-of-the art research in VWF and VWD.