Which medication is used to treat von Willebrand disease by increasing release of von Willebrand factor?

Which medication is used to treat von Willebrand disease by increasing release of von Willebrand factor?

• A. Warfarin
• B. DDAVP
• C. Aspirin
• D. Clopidogrel

Answer: (B)

Desmopressin (DDAVP) works by stimulating endothelial cells to release stored von Willebrand factor and factor VIII into the bloodstream. In many patients with mild von Willebrand disease, this boosts the available vWF, improving platelet adhesion and reducing bleeding. It acts quickly, making it useful for perioperative prophylaxis or minor bleeds, and it can be given IV, subcutaneous, or intranasally depending on the setting. This is the best choice because it directly increases the amount of von Willebrand factor in circulation, addressing the deficiency itself rather than affecting platelets or the coagulation cascade in other ways. In contrast, the other options do not raise vWF levels: Warfarin diminishes clotting by inhibiting vitamin K–dependent factors; aspirin and clopidogrel impair platelet function.

Desmopressin (DDAVP) works by stimulating endothelial cells to release stored von Willebrand factor and factor VIII into the bloodstream. In many patients with mild von Willebrand disease, this boosts the available vWF, improving platelet adhesion and reducing bleeding. It acts quickly, making it useful for perioperative prophylaxis or minor bleeds, and it can be given IV, subcutaneous, or intranasally depending on the setting.

This is the best choice because it directly increases the amount of von Willebrand factor in circulation, addressing the deficiency itself rather than affecting platelets or the coagulation cascade in other ways. In contrast, the other options do not raise vWF levels: Warfarin diminishes clotting by inhibiting vitamin K–dependent factors; aspirin and clopidogrel impair platelet function.