Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia following coronavirus vaccine: A narrative review

Syed Hassan Ahmed; Taha Gul Shaikh; Summaiyya Waseem; Nashwa Abdul Qadir; Zohaib Yousaf; Irfan Ullah

doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102988

Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia following coronavirus vaccine: A narrative review

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Jan:73:102988. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102988. Epub 2021 Oct 30.

Authors

Syed Hassan Ahmed¹, Taha Gul Shaikh¹, Summaiyya Waseem¹, Nashwa Abdul Qadir¹, Zohaib Yousaf², Irfan Ullah³

Affiliations

¹ Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
² Department of Internal Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
³ Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Abstract

The novel coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the global healthcare systems and economy. Safety precautions, along with vaccination, are the most effective preventive measures. The global vaccination program against COVID-19 has dramatically reduced the number of deaths and cases. However, the incidence of thrombotic events and thrombocytopenia post-COVID-19 vaccination known as vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia has raised safety concerns. This has led to an element of vaccine hesitancy. The exact mechanism for vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia is unknown. Although the incidence of thrombosis associated with COVID-19 vaccination is low, it still requires attention, especially in older people, smokers, and people with preexisting comorbidities. This study aims to review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia, to provide a concise and comprehensive update.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccine; Thrombotic thrombocytopenia; VITT; Vaccine induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia; Vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

Review