It was recently revealed that the Covishield vaccine can lead to a rare side effect known as thrombosis syndrome with thrombocytopenia. It can result in blood clots and low platelet counts.
In a major revelation related to Covid-19 vaccination, British-Swedish pharmaceutical and biotechnology multinational AstraZeneca recognized for the first time that Covishield, its Covid vaccine, can lead to a rare side effect called thrombosis syndrome with thrombocytopenia (TTS). This condition can cause blood clots associated with low platelet counts.
The admission was made through a legal document lodged with the UK High Court, according to reports. It coincides with the pharmaceutical giant being sued over allegations of serious injuries and deaths linked to its vaccine, which was developed jointly with the University of Oxford and sold around the world under several names, including Covishield and Vaxzevria.
Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca, was produced in India by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India. It was one of the most widely administered Covid vaccines in the country. However, media reports stated that numerous families around the world have taken legal action, alleging that the side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine have caused serious harm. The legal case began last year after father-of-two Jamie Scott suffered permanent brain damage from TTS after receiving the vaccine in April 2021.
What is thrombosis syndrome with thrombocytopenia (TTS)?
Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is a rare but serious condition characterized by the combination of blood clots (thrombosis) and low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). It often involves clots in unusual locations, such as the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) or abdomen, which can lead to serious complications or death. Cases of TTS have been observed in some people after being vaccinated against Covid-19, the report said. World Health Organization.
What causes thrombocytopenia syndrome?
Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is mainly associated with certain Covid-19 vaccines. The exact cause is not yet known, but it is believed to involve an immune response triggered by the vaccine, leading to the production of antibodies that activate platelets, causing clot formation and, at the same time, reducing platelet levels. TTS remains a rare but serious concern, requiring immediate medical attention.
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Are there risk factors for TTS?
Although the exact cause is not identified, the risk of TTS is higher in young people and young women. However, this condition is exceptionally rare, even among those with these risk factors.
What are the symptoms of TTS?
Symptoms of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) include:
- Severe headache
- Abdominal pain
- Pain or swelling in the legs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breathe
- Back pain
- Neurological symptoms, such as vision changes or seizures
- Somnolence
- Easy bruising or bleeding
These symptoms usually appear 4 to 42 days after receiving certain COVID-19 vaccines.
Complications of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) can be serious and potentially fatal. They include organ damage due to blood clots that block blood flow, such as stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. Additionally, TTS can lead to bleeding complications due to low platelet levels.
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How is TTS diagnosed?
Diagnosis of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) involves a combination of blood tests to assess platelet counts and detect specific antibodies, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT or MRI to identify blood clots.