Introduction:Little is known about the clinical characteristics of von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients in China, the impact of Covid-19 on them and their genetic mutation. Aim:To describe the clinical characteristics of a group of VWD patients in China, the impact of Covid-19 on them and their genetic mutation.Methods: An online survey using a self-designed questionnaire was conducted among patients within a WeChat group of VWD patients in China. Data were analysed using t-test, the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and rank sum test.Results: Data from a total of 96 patients were collected. Several important findings are yielded. Above all, type 3 patients accounted for over half of the surveyed patients.Secondly, a surprising rate (>40%) of patients had experience of being misdiagnosed.Thirdly, treatment regimens were dominated by cryoprecipitate, blood-derived FVIII and plasma, and only a small percentage of patients received prophylaxis. Fourthly, we identified 17 new von Willebrand factor (VWF) mutant genes which merit further investigation. Additionally, Covid-19 was found to pose some challenges for the patients. Conclusion:In China, the high rates of type 3 patients and misdiagnosis suggest that most of the VWD patients may never be diagnosed in China. When it comes to diagnosis and treatment, there is a large gap between developing countries like China and developed countries.

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