Collagen binding assay in the diagnosis of von Willebrand Disease

Abstract

The accurate diagnosis and classification of von Willebrand disease (vWD) is of utmost important because it is not only determines the hemorrhagic risk, but also help in subsequent clinical management. Present laboratory test panels face limitation in diagnoses and sub classification of vWD. The aim of our study was to assess the utility of collagen binding assay for typing and subtyping of vWD along with a combination of other tests. This was a descriptive study carried out in University of Health Sciences Lahore. Sixty four already diagnosed cases of vWD, vWF: RCo were included in this study. vWF: Ag and vWF: CBA were performed by ELISA while FVIII was determined by CA-50.All patients included in this study were found to have very low levels of vWF: Ag, FVIII and CBA.vWF:Ag level was found to be <5% of normal and CBA/Ag ratio was >1 which strongly suggested the presence of Type 3 vWD in all the patients. Linear regression scatter plot between vWF: Ag and vWF: CBA showing concordant correlation. We concluded from the results of our study that all of the patients had Type 3 vWD. vWF:CBA can be useful addition in package of tests used for typing and subtyping of vWD. Large sample size studies are required to establish this as fact.