TTS Explained: The Rare Disorder Caused By AstraZeneca's Covishield Vaccine

TTS is a rare disease that was observed in individuals who received a Covid-19 adenovirus vector-based vaccination. (Image: Shutterstock)

AstraZeneca, the UK pharmaceutical company, has admitted that their Covid-19 vaccination might cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) in “very rare cases,” according to the report by The Telegraph. The company’s admission comes amid a lawsuit alleging the vaccination caused serious injury and fatalities.

Covishield, a vaccine created by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India, may, in rare cases, cause this disease, according to court documents.

What is Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)?

TTS is a rare disease that was observed in individuals who received a Covid-19 adenovirus vector-based vaccination. It is a kind of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), in which clots of blood develop in the venous sinuses of the brain, blocking the flow of blood out of the brain. This lowers the platelet count and increases the risk of bleeding or blood clots in different body areas.

Blood clots can occur in the stomach or brain, among other places. A limited number of individuals who got the Covishield vaccination have reported experiencing TTS syndrome, a significant and uncommon side effect, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Most cases of the illness have been documented in younger people, particularly in women under 60.

Why does TTS occur?

The exact cause has not been determined as of now, but TTS appears to develop when the immune system of the body reacts to the vaccination by producing antibodies that target a protein associated with blood clotting.

Are there any cases of TTS?

The UK High Court has received 51 applications in which victims and their relatives demand damages exceeding £100 million. In one such instance, Jamie Scott filed a lawsuit after experiencing a blood clot that hindered him from working. After getting vaccinated in April 2021, according to Scott, he experienced a “blood clot and a bleed on his brain,” which left him with a permanent brain lesion, as per Telegraph.

Based on the location of the blood clot and the intensity of the symptoms, TTS is divided into two tiers by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Tier 1:

  Uncommon thrombosis location (e.g., brain-cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or the gut, including the splanchnic vein, which is linked to bowel ischaemia and surgery, or other uncommon venous and arterial thrombosis).

  More prevalent forms of thrombosis (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis).

  Less than 1,50,000 platelets per microliter.

  A positive anti-PF4 ELISA test is useful but not necessary for diagnosis.

• Tier 2:

  Legs and lungs are common locations for thrombosis (pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and venous thromboembolism).

  The platelet count per microlitre is less than 150,000.

  Positive anti-PF4 ELISA results are required.

  Per the CDC, there is a greater chance of death and morbidity associated with

Tier 1 TTS compared to Tier 2. Tier 1 can be more typical in younger age groups.

What symptoms are associated with TTS?

Severe headaches, stomachaches, swelling in the legs, dyspnea, and seizures are some of the symptoms of TTS. Following vaccination, if a person exhibits these symptoms, they should consult with their doctor right away.