von Willebrand factor (ristocetin cofactor activity)

Clinical significance:

Ristocetin cofactor activity is determined in the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease. The ristocetin cofactor is a molecule necessary for the proper function of von Willebrand factor, the absence or deficiencyr of which results in hereditary disease.

Von Willebrand factor can also be destroyed in the course of cancerw and autoimmune diseases,when the disease is acquired. It manifests itself with a tendency to bleeding, easy bruising, the occurrence of petechiae on the skinriver, while in women, heavy menstruation.

Determination of ristocetin cofactor activity together with von Willebrand factor testing allows the diagnosis to be made. In addition, the test is also used to assess the efficacy of treatment.

The test is also used to assess the effectiveness of treatment