Long-term prophylaxis in VWD; how should it be given and for whom?   The von Willebrand Disease Prophylaxis Network (vWD PN), an international study group, was formed to investigate the role of prophylaxis in severe VWD [9].  The VWD International Prophylaxis (VIP) study is an initiative of the vWD PN.

The primary objectives of the VIP study are to:

1. Study the effect of prophylaxis on bleeding frequency
2. Establish optimal treatment regimens for:
1. joint bleeding
2. GI bleeding
3. epistaxis, and
4. menorrhagia

           These objectives are being met through a combination of prospective and retrospective studies.

           The prospective component of the VIP study is a multi-center, non-randomized study.   Participants will undergo an escalation of treatment from one to three doses of VWD product per week, as needed, to control bleeding.

           The retrospective studies are being conducted at the same time as the prospective study.  They will examine the effect of prophylaxis on bleeding frequency in patients on prophylaxis, and describe the natural history of GI bleeding in VWD.