Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia: what we know and do not know

Blood. 2021 Jul 29;138(4):293-298. doi: 10.1182/blood.2021012152. Epub 2021 Jun 1.

Abstract

The development of vaccines to fight COVID-19 has been a remarkable medical achievement. However, this global immunization effort has been complicated by a rare vaccine-related outcome characterized by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in association with platelet-activating anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies. In this Spotlight, we will discuss the recently described complication of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) occurring in response to certain COVID-19 vaccines. Although information about this clinical condition is rapidly evolving, we will summarize our current understanding of VITT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Anticoagulants / immunology
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / immunology
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Disease Management
  • Heparin / adverse effects
  • Heparin / immunology
  • Humans
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / etiology*
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / immunology
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Heparin