Case Study#5   1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16   von Willebrand's disease (vWD): historical perspective First described in 1926 by Eric von Willebrand Bleeding disorder affecting both sexes in 24 of 66 family members Prolonged bleeding time despite normal platelet counts and clot retraction von Willebrand postulated disorder was one of platelet dysfunction or a vascular abnormality Bleeding time corrected by addition of fresh normal blood, fresh-frozen plasma, or blood from hemophilia A patients A plasma factor was hypothesized to be necessary for normal bleeding time