American Society of Hirudotherapy

ASH ISTH NHF WFH 2021 guidelines on the management of von Willebrand disease.

Research article published in Blood advances (2021)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportClinical TrialsDrug DevelopmentConnell et al. · Blood advances, 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a common inherited bleeding disorder. Significant variability exists in management options offered to patients. OBJECTIVE: These evidence-based guidelines from the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), and the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) are intended to support patients, clinicians, and health care professionals in their decisions about management of VWD. METHODS: ASH, ISTH, NHF, and WFH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel. Three patient representatives were included. The panel was balanced to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. The University of Kansas Outcomes and Implementation Research Unit and the McMaster Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Centre supported the guideline development process, including performing and updating systematic evidence reviews (through November 2019). The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance to clinicians and patients. The panel used the GRADE approach, including GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks, to assess evidence and make recommendations, which were subject to public comment. RESULTS: The panel agreed on 12 recommendations and outlined future research priorities. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines make key recommendations regarding prophylaxis for frequent recurrent bleeding, desmopressin trials to determine therapy, use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulant therapy, target VWF and factor VIII activity levels for major surgery, strategies to reduce bleeding during minor surgery or invasive procedures, management options for heavy menstrual bleeding, management of VWD in the context of neuraxial anesthesia during labor and delivery, and management in the postpartum setting.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsFemaleHemophilia AHemostasisHumansThrombosisVenous Thromboembolismvon Willebrand Diseases

Summary

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a common inherited bleeding disorder. Significant variability exists in management options offered to patients.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This guideline from the American Society of Hematology (ASH), ISTH, NHF, and WFH provides 12 evidence-based recommendations for managing von Willebrand disease (VWD), covering prophylaxis, desmopressin trials, anticoagulant use, surgical bleeding management, and pregnancy-related care. The 'ASH' in the title refers to the American Society of Hematology, not the American Society of Hirudotherapy. The abstract focuses entirely on conventional pharmacological and transfusion therapies for a bleeding disorder. It contains no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, or the leech secretome, making its relevance to hirudotherapy purely background at best.

Citation

ASH ISTH NHF WFH 2021 guidelines on the management of von Willebrand disease.

Connell et al. · Blood advances, 2021

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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