Covid vaccine and thrombosis, rare cases preventable with new early therapy

The rare cases of thrombosis found after the Covid vaccine can be cured. This was suggested, in an article published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, by the scientists of the General Hospital of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna according to which the serious side effect – which in Italy was reported in 34 people vaccinated with Astrazeneca , while in the United States in 8 immunized with Johnson & Johnson – could be prevented thanks to a fast therapy based on non-heparin anticoagulants, high-dose immunoglobulins and prednisolone. The team, led by coagulation specialist Paul Knöbl, successfully treated a 62-year-old patient who developed vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia, or VITT, following inoculation of ChAdOx1, the AstraZeneca vaccine.
VITT is most likely caused by a defective immune response, producing thrombocyte activating antibodies resulting in thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and thrombosis. The mortality rate in VITT is high (40-50%) and the syndrome requires immediate and appropriate treatment. The patient, who came to the emergency room because of some skin spots and hematomas, showed “thrombocytopenia, low levels of fibrinogen, high D-dimer and positive immunoassay for platelet factor 4. All indications of a developing thrombosis” Knöbl explained that the doctors acted quickly and the patient responded immediately to treatment with a high dose of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin, cortisone and specific anticoagulants, in order to prevent thrombosis. Immunoglobulin concentrates contain antibodies that can block the misdirected immune response. The usual heparin-based preparations, the experts point out, should not be used to prevent clotting, as they can trigger thrombosis or aggravate it. “In this case, we were able to describe for the first time the effectiveness of a potentially life-saving treatment strategy for vaccine-induced thrombosis, “explained Knöbl, noting that” this experience could be of great help in treating other patients with similar conditions. “