Purpose
To advance healthcare professionals' knowledge of acquired von Willebrand Syndrome (AVWS)
Target Audience
This activity meets the educational needs of physicians involved in the care of patients with von Willebrand Disease (VWD)
Program Overview
Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome (AVWS) is a rare bleeding disorder occurring in patients with no family history of VWD. It is a dysfunction that is caused by a secondary mechanism and not congenitally. Laboratory findings are similar to congenital VWD, but this disorder is often unrecognized and underdiagnosed. This activity has been designed to investigate the epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, mechanisms of pathogenesis, and treatment of this disorder.
Educational Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:
— Identify the epidemiology including: prevalence, associated conditions, and age/gender association
— Explain laboratory diagnosis including: FVIII/VWF test results
— Summarize mechanisms of pathogenesis including: autoimmunity, tumor cell absorption, and VWF proteolysis
— Review treatment protocols including: VWF replacement, IVIG, and immunosuppressives
Credit Designation
The Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of PIM and ProMed Institute. PIM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
PIM requires instructors, planners, managers and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by PIM for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.
