TTS is a rare disease observed in individuals who have been vaccinated with the COVID-19 adenovirus vector-based vaccine. (Image: Shutterstock)
A limited number of individuals who received the Covishield vaccine reported experiencing TTS syndrome, a significant and uncommon side effect.
According to a report in The Telegraph, British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has acknowledged that its COVID-19 vaccine may cause thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) in “very rare cases.” The company's admission comes amid lawsuits alleging the vaccine has caused serious injuries and deaths.
Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford and produced by the Serum Institute of India, may cause the disease in rare cases, according to court documents.
What is thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)?
TTS is a rare disease observed in individuals who have been vaccinated with the COVID-19 adenovirus vector-based vaccine. This is a type of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), in which a blood clot develops in the venous sinuses of the brain, blocking blood flow out of the brain. This lowers the platelet count and increases the risk of bleeding or blood clots in various parts of the body.
Blood clots may develop, especially in the stomach or brain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a small number of individuals who received the Covishield vaccine reported experiencing TTS syndrome, a significant and uncommon side effect.
Most cases of the disease have been reported in young people, especially women under 60 years of age.
Why does TTS occur?
Although the exact cause is currently unknown, TTS appears to occur when the body's immune system responds to vaccination by producing antibodies that target proteins involved in blood clotting.
Are there cases where TTS occurs?
The UK's High Court received 51 applications from victims and their families seeking more than £100 million in damages. In one such case, Jamie Scott filed a lawsuit after his blood clot left him unable to work. According to the Telegraph, after receiving the vaccination in April 2021, Scott developed “blood clots and bleeding in the brain,” which left him with permanent brain lesions.
Depending on the location of the blood clot and the severity of symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) divides TTS into two stages.
- Level 1:Uncommon sites of thrombosis (e.g., cerebral-cerebrovenous sinus thrombosis, intestinal ischemia and bowel, including splanchnic veins associated with surgery, or other uncommon venous and arterial thrombosis). More prevalent forms of thrombosis (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis).Less than 1,50,000 platelets per microliter.A positive anti-PF4 ELISA test is useful but not required for diagnosis.
- Tier 2:The legs and lungs are common sites of thrombosis (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and venous thromboembolism). The platelet count is less than 150,000 per microliter. A positive anti-PF4 ELISA result is required. Death is more likely, according to the CDC. and related diseases
Comparison of Tier 2 and Tier 1 TTS. Tier 1 may be more common in younger age groups.
What are the symptoms associated with TTS?
Severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg swelling, difficulty breathing, and seizures are some of the symptoms of TTS. If you experience any of these symptoms after vaccination, you should consult your doctor immediately.