Which statement best describes type III von Willebrand disease?

Which statement best describes type III von Willebrand disease?

• A. FVIII markedly decreased; vWF antigen and vWF:RCo normal
• B. FVIII and vWF:RCo normal; bleeding risk minimal
• C. Everything is very low, less than 20%
• D. Only von Willebrand factor antigen is decreased

Answer: (C)

Type III von Willebrand disease is the most severe form, marked by virtually no circulating von Willebrand factor. Because vWF stabilizes and protects FVIII in the circulation, its near absence causes FVIII levels to drop as well. Lab patterns show very low vWF antigen and very low vWF activity (often measured by ristocetin cofactor), with FVIII markedly reduced—commonly below 20%. This makes bleeding risk substantial and aligns with the description that everything, including vWF and FVIII, is severely diminished. That’s why the statement stating that all values are very low (<20%) best fits type III vWD.

Type III von Willebrand disease is the most severe form, marked by virtually no circulating von Willebrand factor. Because vWF stabilizes and protects FVIII in the circulation, its near absence causes FVIII levels to drop as well. Lab patterns show very low vWF antigen and very low vWF activity (often measured by ristocetin cofactor), with FVIII markedly reduced—commonly below 20%. This makes bleeding risk substantial and aligns with the description that everything, including vWF and FVIII, is severely diminished. That’s why the statement stating that all values are very low (<20%) best fits type III vWD.