Diagnosis and incidence of inherited von Willebrand disease.

Von Willebrand disease is the most commonly inherited bleeding disorder, caused by the inheritance of a quantitative or qualitative abnormality of von Willebrand factor. Clinical manifestations of this disorder are diverse, and traditional diagnostic tools vary in sensitivity, specificity, and overall usefulness. However, as more accurate diagnostic testing is developed and implemented, determination of the disease's incidence and prevalence will improve, allowing the identification and treatment of patients who suffer from this disorder.