noblood - Von Willebrand Factor

A protein in blood that helps the blood to clot. It is made by the lining of cells in the wall of blood vessels (veins and arteries). When blood vessels are damaged, platelets clump together at the site of the injury. Von Willebrand factor acts like glue that helps the platelets stick together. Von Willebrand factor is also a carrier of clotting factor VIII, another protein that helps blood to clot. Von Willebrand disease [1] is an inherited disorder caused by a deficiency of VWF and is characterized by a susceptibility to bruising, nose and gum bleeds, heavy menstrual periods in women, excessive bleeding from injuries or after surgery, etc. One treatment for this disease involves replacement therapy: the injection of a concentrate of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII. In some cases, fibrin glue is applied directly to wounds to stop bleeding.