Defining the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Low VWF in the Low VWF in Ireland Cohort (LoVIC) study

Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is a protein that blood needs to clot normally. VWF is made by cells that line our blood vessels called endothelial cells. About 1 in 100 people inherit low levels of Von Willebrand Factor. This means that they have a lifelong bleeding disorder known as Von Willebrand Disease (VWD).

People with this disease bruise easily and suffer from nosebleeds. They also sometimes bleed after surgery or after having a tooth removed. We do not fully understand why these patients have low levels of VWF. This is especially true for patients whose levels are only slightly less than usual. This group of patients is known as ‘Low VWF’.

People with ‘Low VWF’ also often have bleeding that is more than would be expected. To better understand this disorder, we will study why these patients have low VWF levels. We will study if they are making less VWF or clearing VWF from their circulation too quickly. Finally, we will study why these patients bleed by looking at other parts of the clotting system.

This will help improve how we diagnose and treat these patients.