British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has acknowledged that its COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, may be associated with a rare side effect called Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) with Thrombosis. The vaccine manufacturer has stated in court documents that Covishield could cause a condition in rare cases where blood clots can form and the platelet count can drop, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
This admission comes after a lawsuit was filed against the company alleging serious harm and deaths related to the vaccine. According to court documents, AstraZeneca, developed in partnership with Oxford University and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, could lead to this condition in rare cases. This vaccine was widely used across India during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Thrombocytopenia Syndrome with Thrombosis
Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) with thrombosis is a rare condition where blood clots form in unusual places in the body, and the blood platelet count drops. Platelets are small cells that help the blood to clot, so a significant drop in their count can be dangerous. This condition has been observed in people who received vaccines such as Vaxzevria, Covishield (AstraZeneca), and the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, which are adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines. TTS occurs because the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack a protein involved in clotting, leading to the formation of blood clots.
TTS is classified into 2 tiers:
Tier-1:
Rare blood clots, such as in the brain or abdomen, sometimes in the legs or lungs.
Low platelet count (less than 150,000 per microliter).
Confirmation with a positive anti-PF4 ELISA test can help diagnose it, but it’s not always necessary.
Tier-1 cases are usually more severe and risky.
It is more commonly seen in young people.
Tier-2:
Common blood clots, such as in the legs or lungs.
Low platelet count (less than 150,000 per microliter).
A positive anti-PF4 ELISA test is required for confirmation.
Symptoms of TTS include severe headaches, abdominal pain, swelling in the legs, difficulty breathing, and confusion or fainting. If someone experiences these symptoms after getting vaccinated, they should seek medical attention immediately.
