First Case of Von Willebrand Disease in Niger

Abstract

Von Willebrand’s disease was first described in 1926 by Erik Von Willebrand. It is a genetic, constitutional defect of hemostasis that is different from hemophilia. It is classified among the rare diseases whose clinical manifestations are dominated by a hemorrhagic profile, which varies from patient to patient. It is an easily diagnosed disease based on a quantitative and qualitative bioassay of VWF. Treatment is multidisciplinary and is based on well-structured prevention. We report the first case of von Willebrand disease in Niger, diagnosed in the Hematology Department of Niamey’s National Hospital.