von Willebrand factor ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA) (for Type 2B & pseudo VWD)

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large adhesive glycoprotein synthesised in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. Unlike the activated coagulation factors of secondary haemostasis it is not an enzyme and its functions involve binding to cells and molecules. Upon vessel injury, VWF binds directly to exposed sub-endothelial collagen and remains anchored. Blood flow unravels anchored VWF to expose the binding site for the constitutively expressed platelet surface receptor glycoprotein Ib. VWF captures and tethers platelets arriving at the scene which promotes subsequent events of primary haemostasis towards formation of a platelet plug. VWF also serves as the plasma carrier of FVIII to protect it from proteolytic degradation and also to ‘deliver’ it to sites of injury and clot formation.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common hereditary bleeding disorder and the deficiency can be quantitative, involving reduced levels of normally functioning VWF, or qualitative, involving dysfunctional molecules. Laboratory investigation of VWD encompasses a battery of assays that assess different aspects of the molecule which inform sub-classification and clinical management:

Type 2B VWD involves a dysfunctional VWF with increased affinity for platelet glycoprotein Ib which leads to thrombocytopenia and loss of high molecular weight multimers. Pseudo VWD, also called platelet type VWD, involves platelet glycoprotein Ib with increased affinity for the patient's normal VWF.