Von Willebrand disease (vWD), is a genetic disorder that is caused when a child’s blood clot capability works less than normal. The name von Willebrand comes from Dr. Erik von Willebrand who first discovered and explained the disorder in 1926. Although bleeding disorders are rare, von Willebrand disease is the most common in this group. Today vWD affects 1% or more of the entire human population.

Von Willebrand Disease is a genetic disorder, which means that it is passed down through the genes. If one of a child’s parents has vWD, then the child has a 50% possibility of getting that gene.  In another case, if a child inherits the gene form both parents, he or she will show early and very strong symptoms.