Vaccine-associated immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia
First national report
Abstract
Introduction: vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are an essential tool against the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford and the AstraZeneca (AZN) laboratory has proved to be effective, although venous thrombosis have been reported.
Clinical case: the study presents the case of a 70 year old male patient who, 7 days after receiving the first dose of the AZN vaccination develops deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities and pulmonary embolism. Simultaneously, thrombocytopenia is 15.000/mm3, fibrinogen levels drop D-dimer levels are elevated. The clinical situation leads to the suspicion of vaccine-associated immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT). The patient was treated with intravenous immune globulin, methylprednisolone and cryoprecipitates, requiring a filter to be placed in the inferior vena cava. Once platelets count improved, anti-coagulation therapy including apixaban was commenced, evolution being good.
Discussion: this is the first national report on VITT. Thrombosis after the AZN vaccination may be seen in other vaccines that use the same vaccine platform (inactive adenovirus). Cases have been reported mainly in patients younger than 60 years old and in unusual topographies. In particular, this case presents a male patient that is older than 60 years old, who had already been infected with COVID-19 five months before and who currently consults with thrombosis in regular sites. Therapeutic handling observed international guidelines. The case contributes relevant data both in terms of early diagnosis and therapeutic handling.
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