Which is the most common inherited bleeding disorder?

Which is the most common inherited bleeding disorder?

• A. Hemophilia A
• B. Bernard-Soulier syndrome
• C. von Willebrand disease
• D. Hemophilia B

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how frequently a hereditary bleeding problem occurs and how it’s inherited. von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder because it is usually autosomal dominant, so it affects both sexes and can appear in many family members across generations. It stems from a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, the protein that helps platelets stick to damaged vessels and also stabilizes factor VIII in the blood. When von Willebrand factor is reduced or dysfunctional, platelet plug formation is impaired, leading to mucocutaneous bleeding such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and heavy menses, and sometimes a mild impact on clotting tests due to lower factor VIII levels. In contrast, hemophilia A and B are X-linked and mostly affect males, and Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare platelet function disorder. Taken together, these factors make von Willebrand disease the most common inherited bleeding disorder.

The key idea is how frequently a hereditary bleeding problem occurs and how it’s inherited. von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder because it is usually autosomal dominant, so it affects both sexes and can appear in many family members across generations. It stems from a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, the protein that helps platelets stick to damaged vessels and also stabilizes factor VIII in the blood. When von Willebrand factor is reduced or dysfunctional, platelet plug formation is impaired, leading to mucocutaneous bleeding such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and heavy menses, and sometimes a mild impact on clotting tests due to lower factor VIII levels. In contrast, hemophilia A and B are X-linked and mostly affect males, and Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare platelet function disorder. Taken together, these factors make von Willebrand disease the most common inherited bleeding disorder.