Variant patterns in von Willebrand's Disease

Investigation of a group of patients with classical von Willebrand's disease by the additional techniques of ristocetin induced platelet aggregation and quantitative immunoelectrophoresis for factor VIII related antigen, indicate that there is considerable heterogeneity in this condition. On the basis of the results presented, it appears that there could be at least five separate subpatterns in von Willebrand's disease. At present this condition should not be considered a single disease entity, but a syndrome with features which may be the common expression of a number of separate genetic disturbances.