What is TTS? British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has admitted that its COVID-19 vaccine may result in a rare side effect called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). The admission follows a lawsuit filed against the company, alleging serious harm and deaths linked to the vaccine.
According to court documents, Covishield, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, can, in rare cases, lead to this condition. This vaccine was administered on a large scale across India during the Covid-19 pandemic.
What is Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)?
Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is a rare condition in which blood clots form in abnormal places in the body and the number of platelets in the blood is reduced. Platelets are small cells that help blood clot, so having too few of them can be dangerous.
The condition was seen in people who received adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines such as Vaxjavria, Covishield (AstraZeneca) and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. TTS occurs because the body’s immune system responds to the vaccine by making antibodies that attack proteins involved in blood clotting.
It is classified into 2 levels by the CDC.
Tier 1
- Rare blood clots, such as in the brain or intestine, sometimes form more commonly in the legs or lungs.
- Low platelet count (below 150,000 per microliter).
- Positive anti-PF4 ELISA tests can help confirm the diagnosis but are not always required.
- Tier 1 cases are usually more severe and risky.
- It is more common in young people.
Tier 2
- Common blood clots, such as in the legs or lungs.
- Low platelet count (below 150,000 per microliter).
- A positive anti-PF4 ELISA test is required for diagnosis.
TTS Symptoms
Symptoms of TTS may include severe headache, stomach pain, swelling in the legs, trouble breathing and thinking, or seizures. If someone shows these symptoms after getting vaccinated, they should immediately consult a doctor.