From the Guidelines
Blood type O is associated with lower levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in the blood, making individuals with this blood type more susceptible to being diagnosed with mild forms of von Willebrand disease (VWD), particularly type 1 VWD. This relationship is crucial in the diagnosis of VWD, as doctors should consider a patient's blood type when interpreting VWF levels, taking into account that what might appear as abnormally low VWF levels could actually be normal for someone with blood type O 1. The study highlights that there is a high frequency of blood type O in the United States, which is associated with "low" VWF levels, and that bleeding symptoms are reported by a significant proportion of normal individuals 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Blood type O individuals typically have VWF levels that are 25-35% lower than those with other blood types
- The lower baseline VWF levels in blood type O individuals can make them more susceptible to being diagnosed with mild forms of VWD
- Doctors should consider a patient's blood type when diagnosing VWD, as what might appear as abnormally low VWF levels could actually be normal for someone with blood type O
- Blood type O individuals may experience more bleeding symptoms even without a formal VWD diagnosis due to their naturally lower VWF levels
Clinical Implications
The relationship between blood type O and VWF levels has significant clinical implications, particularly in the diagnosis and management of VWD. As noted in the study, a "cut-off" of 30 IU/dL (or 30%) is recommended for the definite diagnosis of VWD, but this does not preclude the diagnosis of VWD in patients with VWF:RCo of 30-50 IU/dL if there is supporting clinical and/or family evidence of VWD 1. Therefore, it is essential to consider a patient's blood type and medical history when interpreting VWF levels and diagnosing VWD.
From the Research
Relationship Between Blood Type O and von Willebrand Disease
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that establishes a relationship between blood type O and von Willebrand disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and pathogenesis of von Willebrand disease, but do not mention blood type O as a factor 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- von Willebrand disease is described as a common autosomal inherited bleeding disorder caused by quantitative or qualitative defects of von Willebrand factor 3, 6.
- The treatment and management of von Willebrand disease are discussed in the studies, including the use of desmopressin and plasma-derived VWF concentrates 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, none of the studies investigate the relationship between blood type O and von Willebrand disease, suggesting that this topic may not be directly relevant to the current understanding of the disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.