TTS is thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome.
Patients will develop blood clots in the blood vessels of the brain or other parts of the body, and have low platelet counts. Specifically, thrombosis is the formation of blood clots, which can reduce normal blood flow in blood vessels. Thrombocytopenia is a deficiency of platelets in the blood. Platelets normally help blood clot, keeping people from bleeding too much.
The risk of this syndrome is higher in people under 60 years old.
Blood clots can form in many different areas, including:
- Brain (called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis)
- Abdomen (visceral venous thrombosis)
- Lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Veins (deep vein thrombosis)
- Arterial (arterial thrombosis)
Scientists still do not fully understand the process of TTS formation. Some experts believe it is similar to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). This is a rare reaction to the drug heparin (anticoagulant), which affects platelet activity.
Empty AstraZeneca vaccine vial on the counter of a Covid-19 vaccination center on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia, August 2021. Image: AFP
Symptoms of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome
Symptoms of TTS affecting the brain include:
- Severe, persistent headache.
- Blurred vision.
- Hard to say.
- Asleep.
- Seizures or confusion.
Symptoms of TTS that affect the rest of the body are:
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest tightness.
- Swollen feet.
- Persistent abdominal pain.
- There are red blood spots under the skin, away from the vaccination site.
Risk factors related to TTS
Currently, scientists have not discovered any medical conditions that increase the risk of developing TTS after vaccination. Younger people and women often have more severe symptoms. The risk of TTS after the second dose of vaccine is lower than after the first dose.
How is TTS diagnosed and treated?
Some people with TTS have very poor health and need to go to the hospital for immediate treatment. If a blood clot in the brain is suspected, the patient needs to go to the emergency department for an urgent examination. TTS is diagnosed with blood tests and CT scans.
To treat TTS, patients are often prescribed anticoagulants, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) for blood transfusions containing antibodies, high doses of prednisone (a steroid medication).