Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)

Source- This post on Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is based on the article What is TTS? The rare blood clot triggered by AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine published in “Indian Today” on 30th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, concerns were raised over the rare side effects of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID vaccine. AstraZeneca has admitted that its vaccine can cause Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) in rare case. 

About Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)

1. About Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS): It is a rare condition in which there is simultaneous occurrence of blood clots (thrombosis) and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). It is also known as ‘vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia’ (VITT).

Note: Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, which can reduce normal blood flow in an affected blood vessel.

2. Symptoms: Various symptoms are linked to TTS, such as shortness of breath, chest or limb pain, tiny red spots or bruising on the skin beyond the injection site, headaches, and numbness in certain body regions. TTS may result in restricted blood flow due to clot formation.

3. Diagnosis and treatment:

Diagnosis- Diagnosis of TTS involves a combination of blood tests and imaging studies, such as CT scans.

Treatment- Treatment for TTS is typically comprised of the following-
a. Anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting.
b. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) which involves infusing a blood product containing antibodies
c. High-dose prednisone, which is a form of steroid medication.

How are TTS and blood clots linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine?

1. TTS was a rare syndrome reported in people who received a Covid-19 adenovirus vector-based vaccine. The incidence of TTS has been marginally higher among individuals under 60 years of age.

2. TTS can be seen in various body regions, including the brain, the abdomen, the lungs, limb veins and arteries. 

3. The process that causes TTS is not fully understood, but it is believed to be similar to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) which is also a rare reaction to a medicine called heparin that affects how platelets works.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Health)