Reports of blood clots continue, but no link to AstraZeneca vaccine

In recent days, we have talked a lot about blood clots, especially after hearing an alert from Germany about people who suffered from cerebral venous thrombosis – a blood clot in the brain. after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. The institute Paul-Ehrlich, reference center for vaccination in Germany, detected 31 cases of thrombosis in people who received the vaccine, of which nine died. Faced with this information, the city-state of Berlin decided to suspend the administration of the Anglo-Swedish preparation, at least in people under the age of 60 as a preventive measure. However, there is still not enough evidence that the recorded episodes are associated with the vaccine.

Quickly a team of German hematologists, led by Andreas Greinacher, of University of Greifswald found an explanation for these episodes of thrombus and platelet coagulation disorders.

They baptized it as “Vaccine-Induced Immune Prothrombotic Thrombocytopenia Syndrome” (VIPIT), and they explain that this “unusual” combination of symptoms (generalized blood clots and low number of platelets, sometimes with bleeding) is very similar to a rare side effect of heparin, called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Greinacher is energetic with the VIPIT: “We know what to do: how to identify it and how to treat it.”

At the by other European countries have expressed concern due to the possible increased risk of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis after vaccination. However, AstraZeneca states that there is currently no evidence that the recorded episodes are associated with the vaccine, and that the number of blood clots reported after receiving the vaccine is not higher than what would normally happen.

The vaccine by AstraZeneca incorporates the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene into another non-pathogenic virus. Last month, many countries suspended its use following the first reports of coagulation problems in recipients, What caused at least 15 deaths in Europe, warns against new research published in the scientific journal Science. Some researchers have ruled out cases as normal background levels of blood clots. AND most countries resumed vaccines after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks, although it cannot be excluded that the coagulation symptoms are related to the vaccine.

This is what the renowned researcher alluded to Eric Topol, one of the most prestigious physicians in the United States and current editor-in-chief of Medscape, in his account of Twitter. “Several new reports very rare type of blood clots with Astra Zeneca vaccine: –United Kingdom: 30 cases, 24 cerebral venous thromboses, 8 others with low platelets (among 18 million doses) –Netherlands: 5 cases (between ~ 400K vaccines) –Australia: 1 case ”, the specialist communicated to his more than 400,000 followers.

The potential side effect does not seem to go away. A group of experts from EMA discussed it on March 29, but the agency did not issue an immediate public update; The EMA’s risk assessment committee will assess the issue next week.

The extremely unusual combination of symptoms (generalized blood clots and low number of platelets, sometimes associated with bleeding) it has been reported to date in at least seven countries. Medical societies around the world have warned their members to be on the lookout for and report bleeding disorders in vaccinees. Incidence estimates range from one in 25,000 people who have received the vaccine AstraZeneca in Norway until at least one in 87,000 in Germany. “People are working like crazy behind the scenes to bring more clarity,” he says. Saskia Middeldorp, vascular internist at the medical center Radboud University in the Nederlands.

The coagulation, an extremely important function in the human body, helps prevent excessive blood loss inside and outside the body when the skin, internal organs or blood vessels are damaged.

But while it may be a normal and essential process, if a clot breaks off from where it formed, It can be dangerous, especially if it lodges in an organ or an artery that is too narrow. This is called a piston and may block arterial blood flow, which is essential for vital organs and can lead to pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), ischemic stroke (clot in the brain) or a heart attack. It can also block veins, like a deep vein thrombosis in the legs, called a thrombus.

Until now, most cases of coagulation have been observed women under 65. This may be because many European countries only use the injection in younger, priority populations, such as healthcare workers and teachers, most of whom are women. They were initially reluctant to give it to people over 65, as early data from the company’s clinical trials included little of it in this group.

Although vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia isn’t the whole story, many other researchers have said Science They are now convinced that the vaccine somehow causes the rare set of symptoms. If this is true, it could be a blow to an essential vaccine for the promotion of the World Health Organization to immunize the world. AstraZeneca works with partners around the world to produce and distribute billions of doses in low- and middle-income countries.

“The discussion of this possible side effect is likely to fuel short-term hesitation,” he warns. Michael Bang Petersen, political scientist Aarhus University in Denmark. However, he points out that Clear and transparent communication about potential risks is essential to maintain public confidence in all COVID-19 vaccines. And he adds: “It is very important that we do not lose the war because we are too impatient to win the battle in the short term.”

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