Which type of Von Willebrand Disease is characterized by the absence of vWF?

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is classified into several types based on the severity and nature of the deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (vWF). Type III von Willebrand Disease is distinguished by a severe deficiency or complete absence of von Willebrand factor. This type is also characterized by markedly reduced levels of factor VIII, which is important for normal blood clotting. Patients with Type III vWD experience more severe bleeding symptoms compared to other types due to the critical role that vWF plays in platelet adhesion and stabilization of factor VIII.

In contrast, Type I involves a partial quantitative deficiency of vWF, while Type II consists of qualitative defects in vWF, which can be subclassified into different types based on the specific dysfunction. Type IV is not a recognized classification of von Willebrand Disease, as the primary types are I, II, and III.

Thus, the identification of Type III as the type characterized by the absence of vWF underscores its distinct severity and significance in the spectrum of von Willebrand Disease.