Shadi Tabibian: Beyond Bleeding – Women Living with von Willebrand Disease
Shadi Tabibian, Deputy of research at Blood Diseases Research Centers in Iran University of Medical Sciences, shared a post on LinkedIn about a recent article by Rezan Abdul-Kadir et al., published in Haematologica, adding:
“Women with von Willebrand disease have been overlooked for far too long.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is often the first clinical manifestation of von Willebrand disease (VWD), yet diagnosis is frequently delayed for years, resulting in preventable iron deficiency, impaired quality of life, and avoidable obstetric complications.
This outstanding review by Abdul-Kadir and Ragni highlights a crucial shift in perspective: VWD in women is not simply a bleeding disorder-it is a lifelong reproductive health challenge that requires coordinated hematology and gynecology care.
Key clinical takeaways:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding should always prompt evaluation for an underlying bleeding disorder.
- Routine assessment of iron deficiency is essential, yet remains significantly underutilized.
- Management should be individualized, combining hormonal and hemostatic therapies according to disease severity and reproductive goals.
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period require proactive multidisciplinary planning, particularly for women with severe VWD.
- Future progress depends on stronger evidence, inclusion of women in clinical trials, and truly patient-centered care.
As hematologists and laboratory professionals, we should recognize that early diagnosis, comprehensive iron assessment, and collaboration across specialties can profoundly improve outcomes for girls and women living with VWD.
Congratulations to the authors for this comprehensive and timely review.”
Title: Gynecologic and obstetric management of girls and women with von Willebrand disease
Authors: Rezan Abdul-Kadir, Margaret V. Ragni
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