Von Willebrand disease and von Willebrand factor: an old story, a new perspective

Abstract

The present thesis aimed to evaluate the role of VWF in haemostasis, and focused on both functions of this complex protein: preventing bleeding and increasing the risk of thrombosis. Specifically, we aimed 1) to assess the evolution of VWF levels with age in healthy individuals and in a large population of patients affected by VWD, 2) to assess the clinical impact of VWD in older people and the treatment with desmopressin of AVWS characterized by increased VWF clearance, and 3) to assess the role of global coagulation assays in assessing the risk of a first and recurrent VTE.