Is gingival bleeding a symptom of patients with type 1 von W illebrand disease? A case–control study

Background Von W illebrand disease ( VWD ) is the most common inherent bleeding disorder resulting in prolonged bleeding time. Gingival bleeding is a frequently reported symptom of VWD . However, gingival bleeding is also known as a leading symptom of plaque‐induced gingivitis and untreated periodontal disease. Gingival bleeding in VWD patients ( VWD ) may be triggered by gingival inflammation and not a genuine symptom. Thus, this study evaluated whether type 1 VWD determines an increased susceptibility to gingival bleeding in response to the oral biofilm. Methods Fifty cases and 40 controls were examined haematologically ( VWF antigen, VWF R istocetin cofactor, factor VIII activity) and periodontally [ G ingival B leeding I ndex ( GBI ), bleeding on probing ( BOP ), P laque C ontrol R ecord ( PCR ), periodontal inflamed surface area ( PISA ), vertical probing attachment level]. Results GBI was significantly higher in controls (12.2%) than in VWD (10%). The study failed to find a significant difference regarding BOP between VWD (17%) and controls (17.2%). Multiple regressions identified PCR and PISA to be associated with GBI and BOP . VWD was negatively associated with GBI . Smoking and number of remaining teeth was negatively associated with BOP . Conclusion VWD is not associated with a more pronounced inflammatory response to the oral biofilm in terms of GBI and BOP .