vWFSpiegel

VWFSpiegel refers to the concentration of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in blood plasma. VWF is a large multimeric glycoprotein produced mainly by endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. It mediates platelet adhesion to damaged endothelium and serves as a carrier protein for factor VIII, helping to stabilize its activity. The VWFSpiegel is a key parameter in assessing hemostatic status and is used in diagnosing von Willebrand disease and evaluating bleeding risk.

VWFSpiegel is typically reported as VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and expressed as a percentage of normal plasma or in international units per deciliter (IU/dL). In clinical practice, it is interpreted together with VWF activity (such as VWF:RCo or VWF:CB) and the factor VIII level. Assays are performed on plasma, usually citrate plasma, and results can vary by laboratory and method.

Normal ranges for VWFSpiegel generally fall around 50–150 IU/dL, though exact values depend on the assay and population. Levels are influenced by ABO blood group, with type O individuals tending to have lower values, and non-O types tending higher. VWF levels can rise with acute inflammation, infection, pregnancy, stress, or estrogen exposure, and may decline with aging or certain medications.

Clinical significance: low VWFSpiegel can indicate von Willebrand disease, including types 1, 2, and 3, particularly when accompanied by reduced VWF activity. Elevated levels may reflect inflammation, cardiovascular risk, infection, malignancy, or hormonal states. Because VWF levels alone do not establish a diagnosis, interpretation should consider symptoms and other laboratory tests.

Notes: VWFSpiegel is typically assessed as part of a panel including VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, VWF:CB, and factor VIII. In some cases, genetic testing may be used if hereditary disorders are suspected.