von Willebrand

Disease

This example was adapted from that given in the book "A Guide to Living With von Willebrand Disease" by  Renee Paper, RN and Laureen A. Kelley published by Aventis Behring Choice (www.AventisBehring.com/na)

 

EMERGENCY CARE LETTER

 

Re: Acquired vWD  (von Willebrand Disease)

acquired HAEMOPHILIA

PATIENT INFORMATION:  

 

Date: 

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Name: 

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Date of Birth: 

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Address: 

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Phone: 

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Contact:  

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Haematologist:

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Doctor: 

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DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT INFORMATION:

Diagnosis:                 Acquired von Willebrand Disease (acquired haemophilia)

Synopsis:                  vWD is a bleeding disorder due to a deficiency or defect of the von Willebrand clotting factor. Main symptoms are prolonged mucocutaneous bleeding such as bruising, nosebleeds and prolonged bleeding following injury, surgery and dental work.

Drug Allergies: 

Routine Medications:

Suggested Treatment: 

Minor bleeding (lacerations or nosebleeds) – insert experience to date:

Mucous membrane bleeding (nosebleeds and oral bleeding) – insert experience to date:

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Significant trauma such as severe head injury or intra -abdominal bleeding – insert experience to date:

PRECAUTIONS:

Procedural:

Patient must be pre-treated prior to surgery or invasive procedures. Use less invasive procedures whenever possible. Avoid nasal intubation. Routine venipunctures do not require pre-treatment. Routine coagulation testing such as PT/PTT/BT does not assist with the management of vWD. Avoid IM injections; IV and SQ are preferred.

Medication:

Avoid aspirin and most NSAID’s as they interfere with platelet function.

HISTORY:   (insert medical history with dates)