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Gabarin N, Hack M, Revilla R, Arnold DM, Nazy I. Hematology in the post-COVID era: spotlight on vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia and a conceptual framework (the 4P's) for anti-PF4 diseases. Expert Rev Hematol 2024; 17:39-45. [PMID: 38149432 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2298333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a life-threatening prothrombotic disorder first identified following the introduction of adenoviral vector vaccines for COVID-19. The condition is characterized by anti-PF4 antibodies and clinically presents with thrombocytopenia and thrombosis often in unusual anatomical sites. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, and treatment of VITT. We also review VITT-like syndromes that have been described in patients without previous vaccination. We propose a conceptual framework for the mechanism of anti-PF4 diseases that includes sufficiently high levels of PF4, the presence of a Polyanion that can form immune complexes with PF4, a Pro-inflammatory milieu, and an immunological Predisposition - the 4Ps. EXPERT OPINION Significant progress has been made in understanding the characteristics of the VITT antibody and in testing methods that can confirm that diagnosis. Future work should be directed at understanding long-term outcomes, mechanisms of thrombosis, and individual risk factors for this rare but dangerous immune-thrombotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Gabarin
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Center for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Hack
- McMaster Center for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan Revilla
- McMaster Center for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donald M Arnold
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Center for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ishac Nazy
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Center for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Krumholz HM, Wu Y, Sawano M, Shah R, Zhou T, Arun AS, Khosla P, Kaleem S, Vashist A, Bhattacharjee B, Ding Q, Lu Y, Caraballo C, Warner F, Huang C, Herrin J, Putrino D, Hertz D, Dressen B, Iwasaki A. Post-Vaccination Syndrome: A Descriptive Analysis of Reported Symptoms and Patient Experiences After Covid-19 Immunization. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.09.23298266. [PMID: 37986769 PMCID: PMC10659483 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.09.23298266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction A chronic post-vaccination syndrome (PVS) after covid-19 vaccination has been reported but has yet to be well characterized. Methods We included 241 individuals aged 18 and older who self-reported PVS after covid-19 vaccination and who joined the online Yale Listen to Immune, Symptom and Treatment Experiences Now (LISTEN) Study from May 2022 to July 2023. We summarized their demographics, health status, symptoms, treatments tried, and overall experience. Results The median age of participants was 46 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 38 to 56), with 192 (80%) identifying as female, 209 (87%) as non-Hispanic White, and 211 (88%) from the United States. Among these participants with PVS, 127 (55%) had received the BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech] vaccine, and 86 (37%) received the mRNA-1273 [Moderna] vaccine. The median time from the day of index vaccination to symptom onset was three days (IQR: 1 day to 8 days). The time from vaccination to symptom survey completion was 595 days (IQR: 417 to 661 days). The median Euro-QoL visual analogue scale score was 50 (IQR: 39 to 70). The five most common symptoms were exercise intolerance (71%), excessive fatigue (69%), numbness (63%), brain fog (63%), and neuropathy (63%). In the week before survey completion, participants reported feeling unease (93%), fearfulness (82%), and overwhelmed by worries (81%), as well as feelings of helplessness (80%), anxiety (76%), depression (76%), hopelessness (72%), and worthlessness (49%) at least once. Participants reported a median of 20 (IQR: 13 to 30) interventions to treat their condition. Conclusions In this study, individuals who reported PVS after covid-19 vaccination had low health status, high symptom burden, and high psychosocial stress despite trying many treatments. There is a need for continued investigation to understand and treat this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harlan M. Krumholz
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yilun Wu
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mitsuaki Sawano
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rishi Shah
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Yale College, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Tianna Zhou
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Shayaan Kaleem
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anushree Vashist
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- The College at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bornali Bhattacharjee
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Qinglan Ding
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Yuan Lu
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - César Caraballo
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Frederick Warner
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Chenxi Huang
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jeph Herrin
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David Putrino
- Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland
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Schönborn L, Seck SE, Thiele T, Kaderali L, Hoffmann T, Hlinka A, Lindhoff-Last E, Völker U, Selleng K, Buoninfante A, Cavaleri M, Greinacher A. Long-term outcome in vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:2519-2527. [PMID: 37394120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid diagnosis and treatment has improved outcome of patients with vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). However, after the acute episode, many questions on long-term management of VITT remained unanswered. OBJECTIVES To analyze, in patients with VITT, the long-term course of anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies; clinical outcomes, including risk of recurrent thrombosis and/or thrombocytopenia; and the effects of new vaccinations. METHODS 71 patients with serologically confirmed VITT in Germany were enrolled into a prospective longitudinal study and followed for a mean of 79 weeks from March 2021 to January 2023. The course of anti-PF4 antibodies was analyzed by consecutive anti-PF4/heparin immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PF4-enhanced platelet activation assay. RESULTS Platelet-activating anti-PF4 antibodies became undetectable in 62 of 71 patients (87.3%; 95% CI, 77.6%-93.2%). In 6 patients (8.5%), platelet-activating anti-PF4 antibodies persisted for >18 months. Five of 71 patients (7.0%) showed recurrent episodes of thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis; in 4 of them (80.0%), alternative explanations beside VITT were present. After further COVID-19 vaccination with a messenger RNA vaccine, no reactivation of platelet-activating anti-PF4 antibodies or new thrombosis was observed. No adverse events occurred in our patients subsequently vaccinated against influenza, tick-borne encephalitis, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio. No new thrombosis occurred in the 24 patients (33.8%) who developed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection following recovery from acute VITT. CONCLUSION Once the acute episode of VITT has passed, patients appear to be at low risk for recurrent thrombosis and/or thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Schönborn
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sabrina E Seck
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Thiele
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lars Kaderali
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Till Hoffmann
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Annalena Hlinka
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Edelgard Lindhoff-Last
- Cardioangiology Center Bethanien Hospital, CCB Coagulation Center and CCB Coagulation Research Center, Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Kathleen Selleng
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alessandra Buoninfante
- Health Threats and Vaccines Strategy, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Cavaleri
- Health Threats and Vaccines Strategy, European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Greinacher
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
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Lin TC, Fu PA, Hsu YT, Chen TY. Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Booster: A Case Report. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1115. [PMID: 37376504 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a life-threatening complication caused by platelet activation via platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies. We report a healthy 28-year-old man who developed hemoptysis, bilateral leg pain, and headaches three weeks after his third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine with the first BNT162b2 (from Pfizer-BioNTech) injection. He had previously had the first and second doses with ChAdOx1 nCov-19 without any discomfort. Serial investigations demonstrated pulmonary embolisms, cerebral sinus, and deep iliac venous thrombosis. Positive PF4 antibody assay (ELISA) confirmed the diagnosis of VITT. He had a prompt response to intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) at a total dose of 2 g/kg and his symptoms are now in remission with anticoagulant. Although the definite mechanism is unknown, the VITT was most likely triggered by his COVID-19 vaccine. We report this case of VITT following BNT162b2, a mRNA-based vaccine, and suggest that VITT could still happen without the adenoviral vector vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Chien Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Pei-An Fu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Hsu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yun Chen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
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Roberge G, Carrier M. Long VITT: A case report. Thromb Res 2023; 223:78-79. [PMID: 36709677 PMCID: PMC9870606 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) has been described following adenovirus vector-based COVID-19 vaccines. This condition is associated with important morbidity and mortality following thrombosis related complications. Diagnosis is confirmed based on results of platelet factor 4 ELISA detecting anti-PF4 antibodies and of platelet-activation assay. Initial treatment strategy has been established but long-term management and follow up remain unclear. Most platelet-activation tests become negative after 12 weeks. We describe a case of VITT which can now be characterized as long VITT. The patient initially had a lower limb ischemia, pulmonary embolism and cerebral vein thrombosis. He was treated with prednisone, intravenous immunoglobulin, argatroban and had a lower limb revascularization surgery. Rivaroxaban was then initiated for the acute treatment and continued for the secondary prevention of recurrent events. The patient still demonstrates positive platelet-activation tests and thrombocytopenia after more than 18 months of follow-up. No recurrent thrombosis or bleeding event have occurred. He is not known for any relevant past medical history other than alcohol consumption and slight thrombocytopenia (130 × 109/L since 2015). It is unclear if the ongoing and more important thrombocytopenia could be explained by the persistent platelet-activating anti-PF4 antibodies or the patient's habits. Managing long VITT is challenging considering uncertainty regarding risks and benefits of long-term anticoagulation and potential needs of additional treatment. Additional data is needed to offer optimal long-term management for this patient population. We suggest that long VITT diagnosis definition might include the persistence within patient serum/plasma of anti-PF4 platelet-activating antibodies with clinical manifestations (e.g., thrombocytopenia) for more than 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Roberge
- Centre d'Excellence des Maladies Vasculaires, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Hôpital Saint-François d'Assise, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
| | - Marc Carrier
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Samim M, Dhar D, Arshad F, Anudeep D, Patel VG, Neeharika SR, Dhamija K, Ravindranath CM, Yadav R, Raja P, Netravathi M, Menon D, Holla VV, Kamble NL, Pal PK, Nalini A, Vengalil S. Co-VAN study: COVID-19 vaccine associated neurological diseases- an experience from an apex neurosciences centre and review of the literature. J Clin Neurosci 2023; 108:37-75. [PMID: 36586226 PMCID: PMC9780646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown various neurological adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccine. OBJECTIVE We aimed to retrospectively review and report the neurological diseases temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of admitted patients from 1st February 2021 to 30th June 2022. A total of 4672 medical records were reviewed of which 51 cases were identified to have neurological illness temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS Out of 51 cases, 48 had probable association with COVID-19 vaccination while three had possible association. Neurological spectrum included CNS demyelination (n = 39, 76.5 %), Guillain-Barré-syndrome (n = 3, 5.9 %), stroke (n = 6, 11.8 %), encephalitis (n = 2, 3.9 %) and myositis (n = 1, 2.0 %). Female gender had a greater predisposition (F:M, 1.13:1). Neurological events were more commonly encountered after the first-dose (n = 37, 72.5%). The mean latency to onset of symptoms was 13.2 ± 10.7 days after the last dose of vaccination. COVIShield (ChAdOx1) was the most commonly administered vaccine (n = 43, 84.3 %). Majority of the cases with demyelination were seronegative (n = 23, 59.0 %) which was followed by anti-Myelin oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein associated demyelination (MOGAD) (n = 11, 28.2 %) and Neuromyelitis optica (NMOSD) (n = 5, 12.8 %). Out of 6 Stroke cases, 2 cases (33.3 %) had thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. At discharge, 25/51 (49.0 %) of the cases had favourable outcome (mRS 0 to 1). Among six patients of stroke, only one of them had favourable outcome. CONCLUSION In this series, we describe the wide variety of neurological syndromes temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Further studies with larger sample size and longer duration of follow-up are needed to prove or disprove causality association of these syndromes with COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Seena Vengalil
- Corresponding author at: Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Faculty Block First Floor, Behind Neurocenter, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029
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7
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Postmortem PF4 antibodies confirm a rare case of thrombosis thrombocytopenia syndrome associated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 anti-COVID vaccination. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:487-492. [PMID: 36289074 PMCID: PMC9607767 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02910-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, and thrombocytopenia in a 70-year-old man found dead. He had previously received the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria®, AstraZeneca) 18 days before, and had since developed unspecific and undiagnosed characteristics of what proved to be a rare case of vaccine-associated thrombocytopenia with thrombosis syndrome (TTS). He was found dead 1 week after the beginning of symptoms (day 25 post-vaccine). Autopsy yielded venous hemorrhagic infarction with the presence of thrombi within dural venous sinuses, and extensive hemorrhagic necrosis of the central part of the adrenal glands. Antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4) were strongly positive in postmortem fluids, as measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This difficult diagnosis is usually made during the patient's lifetime. After eliminating differential diagnoses, we concluded on a fatal case of vaccine-induced immune TTS with positive anti-PF4 antibodies in cadaveric blood, 3 weeks after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. Specific search for anti-PF4 antibodies in cadaveric blood appears therefore paramount to assess postmortem cases of TTS associated with anti-COVID vaccines.
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8
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Finterer J, Scorza FA. A retrospective analysis of clinically confirmed long post-COVID vaccination syndrome. J Clin Transl Res 2022; 8:506-508. [PMID: 36452006 PMCID: PMC9706319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Long post-COVID vaccination syndrome (LPCVS) is an increasingly recognized disease that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations and lasts >4 weeks. However, little is known about the clinical presentation, underlying pathophysiology, treatment, and outcome of LPCVS. This study aims to present a series of patients with LPCVS, their treatment, and outcomes. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of three patients with LPCVS. RESULTS In an observation period of 2 months (January and February 2022), three patients were collected in whom side effects after vaccination against COVID-19 lasted >4 weeks and in whom instrumental examinations were largely unremarkable. All three patients received only symptomatic therapy and only partially recovered within 6-8 months after vaccination. LPCVS significantly impaired the quality of life of the included patients. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations may cause not only short-term but also long-term side effects that include not only known diseases but also non-specific symptoms with normal or slightly abnormal clinical and instrumental findings. Although LPCVS leads to long-term disability, it is not widely recognized and not always accepted by manufacturers, health authorities, and even scientists. LPCVS should not be dismissed as a functional disorder and patients with LPCVS should be taken seriously. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS The possible causal relation between some long side effects and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines cannot be ignored. The pathophysiology of LPCVS should be further studied to lay a foundation for further improvement of the vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fulvio A. Scorza
- Department of Neurological, Federal University of Sao Paolo Rua Pedro de Toledo, São Paulo, Brasil
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9
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. A Case Report: Long Post-COVID Vaccination Syndrome During the Eleven Months After the Third Moderna Dose. Cureus 2022; 14:e32433. [PMID: 36644105 PMCID: PMC9833629 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It is undisputed that anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines can have side effects. Long post-COVID vaccination syndrome (LPCVS) is one of them and is often neglected. It persists 11 months after the third mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine dose has not been reported. Our patient is a 39-year-old male with a largely uneventful previous history who developed severe adverse reactions immediately after the third dose of the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine. In addition to brief fever, headache, flickering eyes, skin rashes, tiredness, disorientation, dizziness (brain fog), tiredness, impaired thinking and concentration, and emotional disorders occurred as a result. Cerebral MRI showed non-specific white matter lesions in a frontotemporal distribution. Some of the immune parameters were deflected. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, sartans, and statins have occasionally provided temporary relief. In conclusion, LPCVS is a definite complication of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations and can severely impact the quality of life and lead to disability. Despite extensive work-up, a clear cause for the long-term neuro-cognitive deficits cannot be identified. Symptomatic treatment can provide some relief. Patients with LPCVS should be taken seriously and treated appropriately.
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10
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Yan MM, Zhao H, Li ZR, Chow JW, Zhang Q, Qi YP, Wu SS, Zhong MK, Qiu XY. Serious adverse reaction associated with the COVID-19 vaccines of BNT162b2, Ad26.COV2.S, and mRNA-1273: Gaining insight through the VAERS. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:921760. [PMID: 36419624 PMCID: PMC9676979 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.921760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: Serious adverse events following immunization (AEFI) associated with the COVID-19 vaccines, including BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen), and mRNA-1273 (Moderna), have not yet been fully investigated. This study was designed to evaluate the serious AEFI associated with these three vaccines. Methods: A disproportionality study was performed to analyze data acquired from the Vaccine Adverse Event-Reporting System (VAERS) between 1 January 2010 and 30 April 2021. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) method was used to identify the association between the COVID-19 vaccines BNT162b2, Ad26.COV2.S, and mRNA-1273 and each adverse event reported. Moreover, the ratio of the ROR value to the 95% CI span was applied to improve the credibility of the ROR. The median values of time from vaccination to onset (TTO) for the three vaccines were analyzed. Results: Compared with BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, Ad26.COV2.S vaccination was associated with a lower death frequency (p < 0.05). Ad26.COV2.S vaccination was associated with a lower birth defect and emergency room visit frequency than BNT162b2 (p < 0.05). There were 6,605, 830, and 2,292 vaccine recipients who suffered from COVID-19-related symptoms after vaccination with BNT162b2, Ad26.COV2.S, and mRNA-1273, respectively, including people who were infected by COVID-19, demonstrated a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, and were asymptomatic. Serious AEFI, including thromboembolism, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, and hepatotoxicity, were associated with all three vaccines. Cardiac failure and acute renal impairment events were associated with BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273, while seizure events were associated with BNT162b2 and Ad26.COV2.S. The median values of TTO associated with the three vaccinations were similar. Conclusion: These findings may be useful for health workers and the general public prior to inoculation, especially for patients with underlying diseases; however, the risk/benefit profile of these vaccines remains unchanged. The exact mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced AEFI remains unknown, and further studies are required to explore these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ming Yan
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Ran Li
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Wei Chow
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Peng Qi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Shan Wu
- University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Omaha, United States
| | - Ming-Kang Zhong
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Qiu
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Salih F, Schönborn L, Endres M, Greinacher A. Immunvermittelte Sinus- und Hirnvenenthrombosen: VITT und
prä-VITT als Modellerkrankung. AKTUEL RHEUMATOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1936-3123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungIn diesem Übersichtsartikel beschreiben wir die klinischen und
paraklinischen Charakteristika der Vakzin-induzierten immunthrombotischen
Thrombozytopenie (VITT) und fassen den gegenwärtigen Kenntnisstand zur
Pathogenese zusammen. Bei der VITT bilden sich 5–20 Tage nach einer
Impfung mit einem Adenovirus-vektorbasiertem SARS-CoV-2-Vakzin (AstraZeneca oder
Johnson & Johnson) lebensbedrohliche Thrombosen aus, vor allem in den
zerebralen Sinus und Hirnvenen. Laborchemisch zeigt sich eine typische
Thrombozytopenie mit erhöhten D-Dimeren. Der Pathogenese liegen
immunologische Prozesse zugrunde, die Ähnlichkeiten mit der
Heparin-induzierten Thrombozytopenie aufweisen: so geht die VITT mit
hochtitrigem Immunoglobulin G gegen das thrombozytäre Protein
Plättchenfaktor 4 (PF4) einher. Durch die Interaktion mit dem Impfstoff
wird PF4 so verändert, dass es von Antikörper-produzierenden
Zellen des Immunsystems erkannt wird. Die so produzierten
Anti-PF4-Antikörper führen über thrombozytäre
FcγIIa-Rezeptoren zu einer Plättchenaktivierung. Der Nachweis
plättchenaktivierender Anti-PF4-Antikörper bestätigt die
Diagnose einer VITT. Antikoagulanzien, die die Bildung von Thrombin oder
Thrombin selbst blockieren und hochdosiertes i. v.-Immunglobulin G, das
die Fcγ-Rezeptor-vermittelte Zellaktivierung inhibiert, stellen die
wirksame und kausale Behandlung der VITT dar. Bei Patienten mit katastrophalem
Verlauf kann ein Plasmaaustausch versucht werden. Bei einigen Patienten ist ein
prä-VITT Syndrom als Prodromalstadium zu beoachten, das sich
typischerweise mit Kopfschmerzen manifestieren kann und dessen frühe
Behandlung hilft, thrombotische Komplikationen zu vermeiden. Die spezifische
Dynamik der VITT-assozierten Immunreaktion entspricht einer transienten,
sekundären Immunantwort. Aktuelle Studien gehen der Frage nach, wie PF4
an unterschiedliche adenovirale Proteine bindet und beleuchten die Rolle von
anderen Impfstoff-Bestandteilen als potentielle Liganden für die
PF4-Bindung. Einige dieser Faktoren sind auch an der Etablierung eines
proinflammatorischen Milieus („danger signal“) beteiligt, das
unmittelbar nach der Impfung die 1. Phase der VITT-Pathogenese triggert. Sobald
in der 2. Phase der VITT-Pathogenese hohe Titer von Anti-PF4-Antikörper
gebildet sind, aktivieren diese neben Thrombozyten auch Granulozyten. In einem
als NETose (von „neutrophil extracellular traps“) bezeichneten
Prozess setzen aktivierte Granulozyten dabei DNA frei, mit der PF4 weitere
Komplexe bildet, an die Anti-PF4-Antikörper binden. Dies
verstärkt die Fcγ-Rezeptor-vermittelte Zellaktivierung weiter
mit der Folge einer ausgeprägten Thrombin-Bildung. Zum Ende des Artikels
geben wir einen Ausblick, welchen Einfluss die bisherigen Erkenntnisse zur VITT
auf weitere globale Impfkampagnen gegen SARS-CoV-2 haben und beleuchten, wie
Anti-PF4-Antikörper jenseits von VITT und HIT auch eine Rolle bei
seltenen Erkrankungen spielen, die mit rezidivierenden venösen und
arteriellen Thrombosen einhergehen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Salih
- Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie,
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin,
Germany
| | - Linda Schönborn
- Institut für Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsmedizin
Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie,
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin,
Germany
| | - Andreas Greinacher
- Institut für Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsmedizin
Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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12
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van de Munckhof A, Lindgren E, Kleinig TJ, Field TS, Cordonnier C, Krzywicka K, Poli S, Sánchez van Kammen M, Borhani-Haghighi A, Lemmens R, Scutelnic A, Ciccone A, Gattringer T, Wittstock M, Dizonno V, Devroye A, Elkady A, Günther A, Cervera A, Mengel A, Chew BLA, Buck B, Zanferrari C, Garcia-Esperon C, Jacobi C, Soriano C, Michalski D, Zamani Z, Blacquiere D, Johansson E, Cuadrado-Godia E, Vuillier F, Bode FJ, Caparros F, Maier F, Tsivgoulis G, Katzberg HD, Duan J, Burrow J, Pelz J, Mbroh J, Oen J, Schouten J, Zimmermann J, Ng K, Garambois K, Petruzzellis M, Carvalho Dias M, Ghiasian M, Romoli M, Miranda M, Wronski M, Skjelland M, Almasi-Dooghaee M, Cuisenier P, Murphy S, Timsit S, Coutts SB, Schönenberger S, Nagel S, Hiltunen S, Chatterton S, Cox T, Bartsch T, Shaygannejad V, Mirzaasgari Z, Middeldorp S, Levi MM, Kremer Hovinga JA, Jood K, Tatlisumak T, Putaala J, Heldner MR, Arnold M, Aguiar de Sousa D, Ferro JM, Coutinho JM. Outcomes of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis due to Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia After the Acute Phase. Stroke 2022; 53:3206-3210. [PMID: 36082668 PMCID: PMC9508952 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.039575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) due to vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a severe condition, with high in-hospital mortality rates. Here, we report clinical outcomes of patients with CVT-VITT after SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) vaccination who survived initial hospitalization. METHODS We used data from an international registry of patients who developed CVT within 28 days of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, collected until February 10, 2022. VITT diagnosis was classified based on the Pavord criteria. Outcomes were mortality, functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), VITT relapse, new thrombosis, and bleeding events (all after discharge from initial hospitalization). RESULTS Of 107 CVT-VITT cases, 43 (40%) died during initial hospitalization. Of the remaining 64 patients, follow-up data were available for 60 (94%) patients (37 definite VITT, 9 probable VITT, and 14 possible VITT). Median age was 40 years and 45/60 (75%) patients were women. Median follow-up time was 150 days (interquartile range, 94-194). Two patients died during follow-up (3% [95% CI, 1%-11%). Functional independence was achieved by 53/60 (88% [95% CI, 78%-94%]) patients. No new venous or arterial thrombotic events were reported. One patient developed a major bleeding during follow-up (fatal intracerebral bleed). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the high mortality of CVT-VITT in the acute phase, mortality among patients who survived the initial hospitalization was low, new thrombotic events did not occur, and bleeding events were rare. Approximately 9 out of 10 CVT-VITT patients who survived the acute phase were functionally independent at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita van de Munckhof
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. (A.v.d.M., K.K., M.S.v.K., J.M.C.)
| | - Erik Lindgren
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden (E.L., K.J., T.T.).,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden (E.L., K.J., T.T.)
| | - Timothy J Kleinig
- Department of Neurology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia (T.J.K.)
| | - Thalia S Field
- Division of Neurology, Vancouver Stroke Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (T.S.F., V.D.)
| | - Charlotte Cordonnier
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, France (C.C., F.C.)
| | - Katarzyna Krzywicka
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. (A.v.d.M., K.K., M.S.v.K., J.M.C.)
| | - Sven Poli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls University, Germany. (S.P., A.M., J.M.).,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Germany. (S.P., J.M.)
| | - Mayte Sánchez van Kammen
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. (A.v.d.M., K.K., M.S.v.K., J.M.C.)
| | | | - Robin Lemmens
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium (R.L., A.D.)
| | - Adrian Scutelnic
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland. (A.S., M.R.H., M.A.)
| | - Alfonso Ciccone
- Department of Neurology, Carlo Poma Hospital, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Mantova, Mantua, Italy (A. Ciccone)
| | | | - Matthias Wittstock
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Rostock, Germany (M. Wittstock)
| | - Vanessa Dizonno
- Division of Neurology, Vancouver Stroke Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (T.S.F., V.D.)
| | - Annemie Devroye
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium (R.L., A.D.)
| | - Ahmed Elkady
- Department of Neurology, Saudi German Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (A.E.)
| | - Albrecht Günther
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Germany (A.G.)
| | - Alvaro Cervera
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia (A. Cervera)
| | - Annerose Mengel
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls University, Germany. (S.P., A.M., J.M.)
| | - Beng Lim Alvin Chew
- Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia (B.L.A.C., C.G.-E.)
| | - Brian Buck
- Division of Neurology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada (B.B.)
| | - Carla Zanferrari
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Melegnano e della Martesana, Italy (C.Z.)
| | - Carlos Garcia-Esperon
- Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia (B.L.A.C., C.G.-E.)
| | - Christian Jacobi
- Department of Neurology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (C.J.)
| | - Cristina Soriano
- Department of Neurology, Hospital General de Castellón, Castelló, Spain (C.S.)
| | - Dominik Michalski
- Department of Neurology, Leipzig University Hospital, Germany (D.M., J. Pelz)
| | - Zohreh Zamani
- Department of Neurology, Firoozabadi Hospital, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. (Z.Z.)
| | | | - Elias Johansson
- Department Clinical Science, Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, Sweden (E.J.)
| | - Elisa Cuadrado-Godia
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain (E.C.-G.)
| | | | - Felix J Bode
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Germany (F.J.B., J.Z.)
| | - François Caparros
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, France (C.C., F.C.)
| | - Frank Maier
- Department of Neurology, Caritas Hospital Saarbrücken, Germany (F.M.)
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Greece (G.T.)
| | - Hans D Katzberg
- Department of Neuromuscular Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, Canada (H.D.K.)
| | - Jiangang Duan
- Department of Neurology and Emergency, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (J.D.)
| | - Jim Burrow
- Department of Neurology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Australia (J.B.)
| | - Johann Pelz
- Department of Neurology, Leipzig University Hospital, Germany (D.M., J. Pelz)
| | - Joshua Mbroh
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls University, Germany. (S.P., A.M., J.M.).,Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Germany. (S.P., J.M.)
| | - Joyce Oen
- Department of Neurology, Antonius Ziekenhuis, Sneek, the Netherlands (J.O.)
| | - Judith Schouten
- Department of Neurology, Rijnstate Hospital Arnhem, the Netherlands (J.S.)
| | - Julian Zimmermann
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Germany (F.J.B., J.Z.)
| | - Karl Ng
- Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia (K.N., M. Wronski, S.C.)
| | - Katia Garambois
- Department of Neurology, CHU Grenoble Alpes, France (K.G., P.C.)
| | - Marco Petruzzellis
- Department of Neurology, AOU Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Italy (M.P.)
| | - Mariana Carvalho Dias
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitario Lisboa Norte, University of Lisbon, Portugal (M.C.D.)
| | - Masoud Ghiasian
- Department of Neurology, Sina Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Iran (M.G.)
| | - Michele Romoli
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, Italy (M.R.)
| | - Miguel Miranda
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Cascais Dr. José de Almeida, Cascais, Portugal (M.M.)
| | - Miriam Wronski
- Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia (K.N., M. Wronski, S.C.)
| | - Mona Skjelland
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway (M.S.)
| | | | | | - Seán Murphy
- Acute Stroke Service, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, UCD School of Medicine and RCSI Medical School, Dublin, Ireland (S. Murphy)
| | - Serge Timsit
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit, Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche, CHRU de Brest (University Hospital), Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Inserm 1078, Brest, France (S.T.)
| | - Shelagh B Coutts
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Sciences, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada (S.B.C.)
| | | | - Simon Nagel
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany (S.S., S.N.)
| | - Sini Hiltunen
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland (S.H., T.T., J. Putaala)
| | - Sophie Chatterton
- Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia (K.N., M. Wronski, S.C.)
| | - Thomas Cox
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom (T.C.)
| | - Thorsten Bartsch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany (T.B.)
| | - Vahid Shaygannejad
- Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center (INRC), Iran (V.S.).,Department of Internal (INRC), Iran (V.S.)
| | - Zahra Mirzaasgari
- Department of Neurology, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. (M.A.-D., Z.M.)
| | - Saskia Middeldorp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (S. Middeldorp)
| | - Marcel M Levi
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. (M.M.L.).,National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom (M.M.L.)
| | - Johanna A Kremer Hovinga
- Department of Hematology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland. (J.A.K.H.)
| | - Katarina Jood
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden (E.L., K.J., T.T.).,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden (E.L., K.J., T.T.)
| | - Turgut Tatlisumak
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden (E.L., K.J., T.T.).,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden (E.L., K.J., T.T.).,Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland (S.H., T.T., J. Putaala)
| | - Jukka Putaala
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland (S.H., T.T., J. Putaala)
| | - Mirjam R Heldner
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland. (A.S., M.R.H., M.A.)
| | - Marcel Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland. (A.S., M.R.H., M.A.)
| | - Diana Aguiar de Sousa
- Stroke Centre, Lisbon Central University Hospital Centre, Portugal (D.A.d.S.).,Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal (D.A.d.S., J.M.F.)
| | - José M Ferro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal (D.A.d.S., J.M.F.)
| | - Jonathan M Coutinho
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. (A.v.d.M., K.K., M.S.v.K., J.M.C.)
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13
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Danis F, Rabani AE, Subhani F, Yasmin S, Koul SS. COVID‐19: Vaccine‐induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Eur J Haematol 2022; 109:619-632. [PMID: 36030503 PMCID: PMC9538855 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Salman Shafi Koul
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Ibn‐e‐Sina Road, G‐8/3 G 8/3 G‐8 Islamabad Pakistan
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14
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Takatsuki M, Araki T, Kanno A, Yasumoto A, Morishita E, Shiota H. [Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2022; 62:487-491. [PMID: 35644585 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A 48-year-old Japanese man who had no previous medical history received his first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Ten days after the vaccine administration, he developed a headache. Laboratory results indicated throm-bocytopenia and DIC. A head CT revealed microbleeding in the left parietal lobe. Contrast-enhanced CT showed thrombus in the left transverse sinus and left sigmoid sinus. A brain MRI demonstrated venous hemorrhagic infarction and subarachnoid hemorrhages in the left parietal lobe, and whole-body enhanced CT also revealed portal vein embolism and renal infarction. He was diagnosed with thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, and was treated according to the guideline. He has been recovering with the treatments. This is the first reported case of TTS associated with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Takatsuki
- Department of Neurology, Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Center
| | | | - Akira Kanno
- Department of Neurology, Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Center
| | - Atsushi Yasumoto
- Division of Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Hokkaido University Hospital
| | - Eriko Morishita
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University
| | - Hiroshi Shiota
- Department of Neurology, Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Center
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15
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Luciano PQ, Binatti R, Sodré AR, Zajac SR, Marson FAL, Ortega MM. Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in an older patient: Minireview and a case report. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:638-642. [PMID: 35580449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare cases of unusual thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after administration of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) have been reported. The unusual symptoms are called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). In the present study, a brief background about cases of unusual thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after administration of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 was provided. In addition, a description of a case of a 66-year-old woman who had received this vaccine and developed VITT was done. She presented to the hospital complaining of hematomas in the right upper limb 14 days after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, without a history of trauma (Glasgow coma scale of 14) and thrombocytopenia even though signs of thrombosis were absent. Cranium computed tomography scan indicated intraparenchymal hematoma and cerebral thrombosis, besides anastomotic Labbé vein thrombosis. The woman received platelets transfusion, dexamethasone, and neuroprotection measures, but even so, on the twelfth postoperative day, she died of cerebral rebleeding. In conclusion, it is crucial to point out the immuno-hypersensitivity mechanisms associated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine reactions, helping to reduce their occurrences and reinforcing confidence in vaccine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Queiroz Luciano
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil; Department of Neurology Surgery, São Francisco University Medical Hospital, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Renan Binatti
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - André Rodrigues Sodré
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Augusto Lima Marson
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Manoela Marques Ortega
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Thiele T, Schwarz SL, Handtke S. Platelet size as a mirror for the immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. J Thromb Haemost 2022; 20:818-820. [PMID: 35156282 PMCID: PMC9115134 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Thiele
- Institut für Immunologie und Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Silas L Schwarz
- Institut für Immunologie und Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefan Handtke
- Institut für Immunologie und Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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17
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Schönborn L, Greinacher A. Longitudinal Aspects of VITT. Semin Hematol 2022; 59:108-114. [PMID: 35512899 PMCID: PMC8898788 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In hundreds of patients worldwide, vaccination against COVID-19 with adenovirus vector vaccines (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19; Ad26.COV2.S) triggered platelet-activating anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies inducing vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). In most VITT patients, platelet-activating anti-PF4-antibodies are transient and the disorder is discrete and non-recurring. However, in some patients platelet-activating antibodies persist, associated with recurrent thrombocytopenia and sometimes with relapse of thrombosis despite therapeutic-dose anticoagulation. Anti-PF4 IgG antibodies measured by enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) are usually detectable for longer than platelet-activating antibodies in functional assays, but duration of detectability is highly assay-dependent. As more than 1 vaccination dose against COVID-19 is required to achieve sufficient protection, at least 69 VITT patients have undergone subsequent vaccination with an mRNA vaccine, with no relevant subsequent increase in anti-PF4 antibody titers, thrombocytopenia, or thrombotic complications. Also, re-exposure to adenoviral vector-based vaccines in 5 VITT patients was not associated with adverse reactions. Although data are limited, vaccination against influenza also appears to be safe. SARS-CoV-2 infection reported in 1 patient with preceding VITT did not influence anti-PF4 antibody levels. We discuss how these temporal characteristics of VITT provide insights into pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Greinacher
- Corresponding author. Andreas Greinacher, Professor, Institut für Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, Greifswald, D-17489, Germany. Tel.: +49 3834 865482; Fax: +49 3834 865489
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18
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Greinacher A, Schönborn L, Siegerist F, Steil L, Palankar R, Handtke S, Reder A, Thiele T, Aurich K, Methling K, Lalk M, Völker U, Endlich N. Pathogenesis of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Semin Hematol 2022; 59:97-107. [PMID: 35512907 PMCID: PMC8863951 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT; synonym, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, is associated with high-titer immunoglobulin G antibodies directed against platelet factor 4 (PF4). These antibodies activate platelets via platelet FcγIIa receptors, with platelet activation greatly enhanced by PF4. Here we summarize the current concepts in the pathogenesis of VITT. We first address parallels between heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and VITT, and provide recent findings on binding of PF4 to adenovirus particles and non-assembled adenovirus proteins in the 2 adenovirus vector-based COVID-19 vaccines, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Ad26.COV2.S. Further, we discuss the potential role of vaccine constituents such as glycosaminoglycans, EDTA, polysorbate 80, human cell-line proteins and nucleotides as potential binding partners of PF4. The immune response towards PF4 in VITT is likely triggered by a proinflammatory milieu. Human cell-line proteins, non-assembled virus proteins, and potentially EDTA may contribute to the proinflammatory state. The transient nature of the immune response towards PF4 in VITT makes it likely that-as in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia -marginal zone B cells are key for antibody production. Once high-titer anti-PF4 antibodies have been formed 5 to 20 days after vaccination, they activate platelets and granulocytes. Activated granulocytes undergo NETosis and the released DNA also forms complexes with PF4, which fuels the Fcγ receptor-dependent cell activation process, ultimately leading to massive thrombin generation. Finally, we summarize our initial observations indicating that VITT-like antibodies might also be present in rare patients with recurrent venous and arterial thrombotic complications, independent of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Greinacher
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany,Corresponding author: Prof. Dr Andreas Greinacher, Institut für Transfusions medizin, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Sauerbruchstraße, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany. Tel: +49 383 486 5482; fax: +49 383 486 5489
| | - Linda Schönborn
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Florian Siegerist
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Leif Steil
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Raghavendra Palankar
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefan Handtke
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alexander Reder
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Thiele
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Konstanze Aurich
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Karen Methling
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michael Lalk
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nicole Endlich
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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19
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Gabarin N, Arnold DM, Nazy I, Warkentin TE. Treatment of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Semin Hematol 2022; 59:89-96. [PMID: 35512906 PMCID: PMC8898785 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a novel prothrombotic disorder characterized by thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation identified in hundreds of recipients of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford/AstraZeneca), an adenovirus vector coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. VITT resembles heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in that patients have platelet-activating anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies; however, whereas heparin typically enhances platelet activation by HIT antibodies, VITT antibody-induced platelet activation is often inhibited in vitro by pharmacological concentrations of heparin. Further, the thrombotic complications in VITT feature much higher frequencies of atypical thrombosis, most notably cerebral vein thrombosis and splanchnic vein thrombosis, compared with HIT. In this review, we outline the treatments that have been used to manage this novel condition since its recognition in March 2021, including anticoagulation, high-dose intravenous immune globulin, therapeutic plasma exchange, corticosteroids, rituximab, and eculizumab. We discuss the controversial issue of whether heparin, which often inhibits VITT antibody-induced platelet activation, is harmful in the treatment of VITT. We also describe a case of “long VITT,” describing the treatment challenges resulting from platelet-activating anti-PF4 antibodies that persisted for more than 9 months.
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20
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Montague SJ, Smith CW, Lodwick CS, Stoneley C, Roberts M, Lowe GC, Lester WA, Watson SP, Nicolson PLR. Anti-platelet factor 4 immunoglobulin G levels in vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis: Persistent positivity through 7 months. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2022; 6:e12707. [PMID: 35515079 PMCID: PMC9066380 DOI: 10.1002/rth2.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies that activate platelets via FcγRIIA drive the pathophysiology of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). Evolution of these antibodies and their ability to activate platelets after initial treatment remains unknown. Objectives To assess how clinical and platelet parameters, anti-PF4 antibody levels, and patient serum reactivity changes during follow-up after VITT presentation. Methods We describe cases of seven discharged VITT patients that were followed from diagnosis up to 280 days (range 199-280) after vaccination. We measured anti-PF4 antibodies and PF4 levels in patient serum during follow-up and tested the ability of patient serum to activate healthy donor platelets and patient platelets over time. Results Anti-PF4 immunoglobulin G antibody levels are very high at diagnosis (0.9-2.6 OD) and remain relatively high (>1.0 OD) in all patients, except one treated with rituximab, at 7 months post vaccination. All patients were on direct oral anticoagulants throughout follow-up and no patients had recurrent thrombosis. Patients' platelets during follow-up have normal FcγRIIA levels and responsiveness to platelet agonists. Patient diagnostic serum strongly activated control platelets, either alone or with PF4. Most follow-up serum alone was weaker at stimulating donor and patient platelets. However, follow-up serum beyond 150 days still strongly activated platelets with PF4 addition in three patients. Patient serum PF4 levels were lower than controls at diagnosis but returned within normal range by day 50. Conclusions Explanations for reduced platelet activation during follow-up, despite similar total anti-PF4 antibody levels, remains unclear. Clinical implications of persistent anti-PF4 antibodies in VITT require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Montague
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
| | - Christopher W Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
| | - Clare S Lodwick
- Department of Haematology Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Worcester UK
| | - Charlotte Stoneley
- Department of Blood Sciences University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK
| | - Matthew Roberts
- Department of Blood Sciences University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK
| | - Gillian C Lowe
- Comprehensive Care Haemophilia Centre University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK
| | - William A Lester
- Comprehensive Care Haemophilia Centre University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK
| | - Steve P Watson
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
| | - Phillip L R Nicolson
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences College of Medical and Dental Sciences University of Birmingham Birmingham UK.,Comprehensive Care Haemophilia Centre University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham UK
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21
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Abrignani MG, Murrone A, De Luca L, Roncon L, Di Lenarda A, Valente S, Caldarola P, Riccio C, Oliva F, Gulizia MM, Gabrielli D, Colivicchi F. COVID-19, Vaccines, and Thrombotic Events: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:948. [PMID: 35207220 PMCID: PMC8880092 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a deadly pandemic that has affected millions of people worldwide, is associated with cardiovascular complications, including venous and arterial thromboembolic events. Viral spike proteins, in fact, may promote the release of prothrombotic and inflammatory mediators. Vaccines, coding for the spike protein, are the primary means for preventing COVID-19. However, some unexpected thrombotic events at unusual sites, most frequently located in the cerebral venous sinus but also splanchnic, with associated thrombocytopenia, have emerged in subjects who received adenovirus-based vaccines, especially in fertile women. This clinical entity was soon recognized as a new syndrome, named vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, probably caused by cross-reacting anti-platelet factor-4 antibodies activating platelets. For this reason, the regulatory agencies of various countries restricted the use of adenovirus-based vaccines to some age groups. The prevailing opinion of most experts, however, is that the risk of developing COVID-19, including thrombotic complications, clearly outweighs this potential risk. This point-of-view aims at providing a narrative review of epidemiological issues, clinical data, and pathogenetic hypotheses of thrombosis linked to both COVID-19 and its vaccines, helping medical practitioners to offer up-to-date and evidence-based counseling to their often-alarmed patients with acute or chronic cardiovascular thrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriano Murrone
- Cardiology-UTIC, Hospitals of Città di Castello and Gubbio-Gualdo Tadino, AUSL Umbria 1, 06100 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Leonardo De Luca
- Cardiology, Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Department, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00100 Rome, Italy; (L.D.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Loris Roncon
- Cardiology Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 45100 Rovigo, Italy;
| | - Andrea Di Lenarda
- Cardiovascular and Sports Medicine Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina-ASUGI, 34100 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Serafina Valente
- Clinical Surgical Cardiology (UTIC), A.O.U. Senese, Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | | | - Carmine Riccio
- Follow-Up of the Post-Acute Patient Unit, Cardio-Vascular Department, A.O.R.N. Sant’Anna and San Sebastiano, 81000 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Cardiology 1-Hemodynamics, Cardiological Intensive Care Unit, Cardiothoracovascular Department “A. De Gasperis”, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20100 Milan, Italy;
| | - Michele M. Gulizia
- Cardiology Department, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Company of National Importance and High Specialization “Garibaldi”, 95100 Catania, Italy;
- Heart Care Foundation, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Cardiology, Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Department, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00100 Rome, Italy; (L.D.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri—ASL Roma 1, 00100 Rome, Italy;
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22
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Sessa F, Salerno M, Esposito M, Di Nunno N, Zamboni P, Pomara C. Autopsy Findings and Causality Relationship between Death and COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245876. [PMID: 34945172 PMCID: PMC8709364 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The current challenge worldwide is the administration of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine. Considering that the COVID-19 vaccination represents the best possibility to resolve this pandemic, this systematic review aims to clarify the major aspects of fatal adverse effects related to COVID-19 vaccines, with the goal of advancing our knowledge, supporting decisions, or suggesting changes in policies at local, regional, and global levels. Moreover, this review aims to provide key recommendations to improve awareness of vaccine safety. All studies published up to 2 December 2021 were searched using the following keywords: “COVID-19 Vaccine”, “SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine”, “COVID-19 Vaccination”, “SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination”, and “Autopsy” or “Post-mortem”. We included 17 papers published with fatal cases with post-mortem investigations. A total of 38 cases were analyzed: 22 cases were related to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 administration, 10 cases to BNT162b2, 4 cases to mRNA-1273, and 2 cases to Ad26.COV2.S. Based on these data, autopsy is very useful to define the main characteristics of the so-called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination: recurrent findings were intracranial hemorrhage and diffused microthrombi located in multiple areas. Moreover, it is fundamental to provide evidence about myocarditis related to the BNT162B2 vaccine. Finally, based on the discussed data, we suggest several key recommendations to improve awareness of vaccine safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Paolo Zamboni
- Vascular Diseases Center, Hub Center for Venous and Lymphatic Diseases Regione Emilia-Romagna, Sant’Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.S.); (M.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3782-153 or +39-333-2466-148
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23
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Argatroban /AZD-1222/fondaparinux-sodium. REACTIONS WEEKLY 2021. [PMCID: PMC8683319 DOI: 10.1007/s40278-021-07335-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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