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Schulman S, Arnold DM, Bradbury CA, Broxmeyer L, Connors JM, Falanga A, Iba T, Kaatz S, Levy JH, Middeldorp S, Minichiello T, Nazy I, Ramacciotti E, Resnick HE, Samama CM, Sholzberg M, Thachil J, Zarychanski R, Spyropoulos AC. 2023 ISTH update of the 2022 ISTH guidelines for antithrombotic treatment in COVID-19. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:1779-1797. [PMID: 38503600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.02.011] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Based on emerging evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) guidelines for antithrombotic treatment in COVID-19 were published in 2022. Since then, at least 16 new randomized controlled trials have contributed additional evidence, which necessitated a modification of most of the previous recommendations. We used again the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association methodology for assessment of level of evidence (LOE) and class of recommendation (COR). Five recommendations had the LOE upgraded to A and 2 new recommendations on antithrombotic treatment for patients with COVID-19 were added. Furthermore, a section was added to answer questions about COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), for which studies have provided some evidence. We only included recommendations with LOE A or B. Panelists agreed on 19 recommendations, 4 for nonhospitalized, 5 for noncritically ill hospitalized, 3 for critically ill hospitalized, and 2 for postdischarge patients, as well as 5 for vaccination and VITT. A strong recommendation (COR 1) was given for (a) use of prophylactic dose of low-molecular-weight heparin or unfractionated heparin in noncritically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19, (b) for select patients in this group, use of therapeutic-dose low-molecular-weight heparin/unfractionated heparin in preference to prophylactic dose, and (c) for use of antiplatelet factor 4 enzyme immunoassays for diagnosing VITT. A strong recommendation was given against (COR 3) the addition of an antiplatelet agent in hospitalized, noncritically ill patients. These international guidelines provide recommendations for countries with diverse healthcare resources and COVID-19 vaccine availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Schulman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Perinatal Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Donald M Arnold
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lisa Broxmeyer
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Jean Marie Connors
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna Falanga
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; University of Milan Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Toshiaki Iba
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Scott Kaatz
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jerrold H Levy
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Surgery (Cardiothoracic), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Saskia Middeldorp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tracy Minichiello
- Division of Hematology, San Francisco VA Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ishac Nazy
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eduardo Ramacciotti
- Science Valley Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Hospital e Maternidade Christóvão da Gama, Grupo Leforte, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Charles Marc Samama
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Perioperative Medicine, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Centre -Université Paris Cité, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Michelle Sholzberg
- Departments of Medicine and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, St Michael's Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jecko Thachil
- Department of Haematology, Manchester University Hospitals, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Zarychanski
- Sections of Hematology/Oncology and Critical Care, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Alex C Spyropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA; Institute of Health System Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
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Meier RT, Porcelijn L, Hofstede-van Egmond S, Caram-Deelder C, Coutinho JM, Henskens YMC, Kruip MJHA, Stroobants AK, Zwaginga JJ, van der Schoot CE, de Haas M, Kapur R. Antibodies against Platelet Glycoproteins in Clinically Suspected VITT Patients. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:35. [PMID: 38804303 PMCID: PMC11130846 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare but severe complication following COVID-19 vaccination, marked by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. Analogous to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), VITT shares similarities in anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) IgG-mediated platelet activation via the FcγRIIa. To investigate the involvement of platelet-antibodies in VITT, we analyzed the presence of platelet-antibodies directed against glycoproteins (GP)IIb/IIIa, GPV and GPIb/IX in the serum of 232 clinically suspected VITT patients determined based on (suspicion of) occurrence of thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis in relation to COVID-19 vaccination. We found that 19% of clinically suspected VITT patients tested positive for anti-platelet GPs: 39%, 32% and 86% patients tested positive for GPIIb/IIIa, GPV and GPIb/IX, respectively. No HIT-like VITT patients (with thrombocytopenia and thrombosis) tested positive for platelet-antibodies. Therefore, it seems unlikely that platelet-antibodies play a role in HIT-like anti-PF4-mediated VITT. Platelet-antibodies were predominantly associated with the occurrence of thrombocytopenia. We found no association between the type of vaccination (adenoviral vector vaccine versus mRNA vaccine) or different vaccines (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, Ad26.COV2.S, mRNA-1273, BTN162b2) and the development of platelet-antibodies. It is essential to conduct more research on the pathophysiology of VITT, to improve diagnostic approaches and identify preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy T. Meier
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.T.M.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
| | - Leendert Porcelijn
- Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.P.); (S.H.-v.E.); (M.d.H.)
| | - Suzanne Hofstede-van Egmond
- Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.P.); (S.H.-v.E.); (M.d.H.)
| | - Camila Caram-Deelder
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Yvonne M. C. Henskens
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Marieke J. H. A. Kruip
- Department of Haematology, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - An K. Stroobants
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jaap J. Zwaginga
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - C. Ellen van der Schoot
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.T.M.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
| | - Masja de Haas
- Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Department of Immunohematology Diagnostics, Sanquin, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.P.); (S.H.-v.E.); (M.d.H.)
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Rick Kapur
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (R.T.M.); (C.E.v.d.S.)
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Schönborn L, Pavord S, Chen VMY, Pai M, Gwarzo DH, Buttery J, Munoz FM, Tran H, Greinacher A, Law B. Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT): Brighton Collaboration case definitions and guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of immunisation safety data. Vaccine 2024; 42:1799-1811. [PMID: 38302339 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.045] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
This is a revision of the online November 2021 Brighton thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) case definition and a new Brighton Collaboration case definition for vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). These case definitions are intended for use in clinical trials and post-licensure pharmacovigilance activities to facilitate safety data comparability across multiple settings. They are not intended to guide clinical management. The case definitions were developed by a group of subject matter and Brighton Collaboration process experts as part of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)-funded Safety Platform for Evaluation of vACcines (SPEAC). The case definitions, each with defined levels of diagnostic certainty, are based on relevant published evidence and expert consensus and are accompanied by specific guidelines for TTS and VITT data collection and analysis. The document underwent peer review by a reference group of vaccine safety stakeholders and haematology experts to ensure case definition useability, applicability and scientific integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Schönborn
- University Medicine Greifswald, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Sue Pavord
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.
| | - Vivien Mun Yee Chen
- Department of Haematology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Concord, NSW, Australia; ANZAC Research Institute, Concord, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Concord, NSW, Australia.
| | - Menaka Pai
- Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Dalha Haliru Gwarzo
- Institution: Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
| | - Jim Buttery
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Flor M Munoz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, and Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Huyen Tran
- Clinical Haematology Department, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Andreas Greinacher
- University Medicine Greifswald, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Barbara Law
- SPEAC, Brighton Collaboration, Independent Consultant, Stratford, Ontario, Canada.
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Zhang Y, Bissola AL, Treverton J, Hack M, Lychacz M, Kwok S, Arnold A, Nazy I. Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia: Clinicopathologic Features and New Perspectives on Anti-PF4 Antibody-Mediated Disorders. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1012. [PMID: 38398325 PMCID: PMC10889051 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare yet severe adverse complication first identified during the global vaccination effort against SARS-CoV-2 infection, predominantly observed following administration of the ChAdOx1-S (Oxford-AstraZeneca) and Ad26.CoV2.S (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) adenoviral vector-based vaccines. Unlike other anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibody-mediated disorders, such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), VITT arises with the development of platelet-activating anti-PF4 antibodies 4-42 days post-vaccination, typically featuring thrombocytopenia and thrombosis at unusual sites. AIM To explore the unique properties, pathogenic mechanisms, and long-term persistence of VITT antibodies in patients, in comparison with other anti-PF4 antibody-mediated disorders. DISCUSSION This review highlights the complexity of VITT as it differs in antibody behavior and clinical presentation from other anti-PF4-mediated disorders, including the high incidence rate of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and the persistence of anti-PF4 antibodies, necessitating a re-evaluation of long-term patient care strategies. The nature of VITT antibodies and the underlying mechanisms triggering their production remain largely unknown. CONCLUSION The rise in awareness and subsequent prompt recognition of VITT is paramount in reducing mortality. As vaccination campaigns continue, understanding the role of adenoviral vector-based vaccines in VITT antibody production is crucial, not only for its immediate clinical implications, but also for developing safer vaccines in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (Y.Z.); (J.T.); (M.H.); (S.K.)
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.-L.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Anna-Lise Bissola
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.-L.B.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jared Treverton
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (Y.Z.); (J.T.); (M.H.); (S.K.)
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.-L.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Michael Hack
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (Y.Z.); (J.T.); (M.H.); (S.K.)
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.-L.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Mark Lychacz
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.-L.B.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Sarah Kwok
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (Y.Z.); (J.T.); (M.H.); (S.K.)
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.-L.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Addi Arnold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada;
| | - Ishac Nazy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (Y.Z.); (J.T.); (M.H.); (S.K.)
- Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (A.-L.B.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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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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Bissola AL, Daka M, Ivetic N, Clare R, Pai M, Kelton JG, Arnold DM, Nazy I. Evaluation of laboratory testing parameters for vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia and their implications for diagnosis. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:304-306. [PMID: 37866513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lise Bissola
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mercy Daka
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikola Ivetic
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rumi Clare
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Menaka Pai
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Kelton
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote Centre 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; Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ishac Nazy
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Harte JV, Coleman-Vaughan C, Crowley MP, Mykytiv V. It's in the blood: a review of the hematological system in SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2023; 60:595-624. [PMID: 37439130 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2232010] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an unprecedented global healthcare crisis. While SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19 affects primarily the respiratory system, patients with COVID-19 frequently develop extrapulmonary manifestations. Notably, changes in the hematological system, including lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia and significant abnormalities of hemostatic markers, were observed early in the pandemic. Hematological manifestations have since been recognized as important parameters in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 and in the management of patients with COVID-19. In this narrative review, we summarize the state-of-the-art regarding the hematological and hemostatic abnormalities observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19, as well as the current understanding of the hematological system in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V Harte
- Department of Haematology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
- School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Maeve P Crowley
- Department of Haematology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
- Irish Network for Venous Thromboembolism Research (INViTE), Ireland
| | - Vitaliy Mykytiv
- Department of Haematology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
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Ivanov DG, Ivetic N, Du Y, Nguyen SN, Le SH, Favre D, Nazy I, Kaltashov IA. Reverse Engineering of a Pathogenic Antibody Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:25203-25213. [PMID: 37949820 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The massive COVID-19 vaccine roll-out campaign illuminated a range of rare side effects, the most dangerous of which─vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT)─is caused by adenoviral (Ad)-vectored vaccines. VITT occurrence had been linked to the production of pathogenic antibodies that recognize an endogenous chemokine, platelet factor 4 (PF4). Mass spectrometry (MS)-based evaluation of the ensemble of anti-PF4 antibodies obtained from a VITT patient's blood indicates that the major component is a monoclonal antibody. Structural characterization of this antibody reveals several unusual characteristics, such as the presence of an N-glycan in the Fab segment and high density of acidic amino acid residues in the complementarity-determining regions. A recombinant version of this antibody (RVT1) was generated by transient expression in mammalian cells based on the newly determined sequence. It captures the key properties of VITT antibodies such as their ability to activate platelets in a PF4 concentration-dependent fashion. Homology modeling of the Fab segment reveals a well-defined polyanionic paratope, and the docking studies indicate that the polycationic segment of PF4 readily accommodates two Fab segments, cross-linking the antibodies to yield polymerized immune complexes. Their existence was verified with native MS by detecting assemblies as large as (RVT1)3(PF4)2, pointing out at FcγRIIa-mediated platelet activation as the molecular mechanism underlying VITT clinical manifestations. In addition to the high PF4 affinity, RVT1 readily binds other polycationic targets, indicating a polyreactive nature of this antibody. This surprising promiscuity not only sheds light on VITT etiology but also opens up a range of opportunities to manage this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil G Ivanov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Nikola Ivetic
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Yi Du
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Son N Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - S Hung Le
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Daniel Favre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Ishac Nazy
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Igor A Kaltashov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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Procter TD, Ogasawara H, Spruin S, Wijayasri S, Abraham N, Blaser C, Hutchings K, Shaw A, Ogunnaike-Cooke S. Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) following adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccination in Canada. Vaccine 2023; 41:6802-6809. [PMID: 37806804 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.09.062] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identifying and monitoring adverse events following vaccination contributed to the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 mass vaccination campaigns. In March 2021, international reports emerged of an adverse event following vaccination with adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccines (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant] and Ad26.COV2.S) of thrombosis with low platelet counts, referred to as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). We described TTS reports in Canada following adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccines and investigated whether the observed number of events were higher than expected. METHODS Reports of TTS following receipt of ChAdOx1-S [recombinant] or Ad26.COV2.S meeting the Canadian case definition for TTS and diagnostic certainty levels 1-3 of the Brighton Collaboration case definition, submitted to the Canadian Adverse Events Following Immunization Surveillance System and Canada Vigilance Database between February 26, 2021 and October 31, 2022 were included. Demographics and characteristics of the TTS reports are described along with an analysis comparing the observed number of reports to the expected number. RESULTS As of October 31, 2022, 56 reports of TTS following administration of ChAdOx1-S [recombinant] and no reports following Ad26.COV2.S vaccines were reported in Canada, of which 37 had functionally positive anti-PF4 antibodies. The median age was 56 years; males accounted for 54 % of reports. Five deaths were reported. The observed number of reports exceeded the expected for all ages and sexes combined, as well as for males aged 30-49 and 60-69 years, and females aged 40-59 years. CONCLUSION Based on international surveillance data, Canada evaluated a statistical signal of TTS following adenovirus vector vaccines. The investigation of this signal demonstrated how post-market vaccine safety surveillance systems were successful in investigating rare adverse events during the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. As adenovirus vector vaccines continue to be administered, characterization of the association between the vaccine and TTS informs immunization programs and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Procter
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - H Ogasawara
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - S Spruin
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - S Wijayasri
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - N Abraham
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - C Blaser
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - K Hutchings
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - A Shaw
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - S Ogunnaike-Cooke
- Centre for Immunization Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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10
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Huynh A, Arnold DM, Ivetic N, Clare R, Hadzi-Tosev M, Liu Y, Smith JW, Bissola AL, Daka M, Kelton JG, Nazy I. Antibodies against platelet factor 4 and the risk of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in patients with vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia. J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:2833-2843. [PMID: 37394121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare complication of adenoviral vector-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. This syndrome is caused by antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4; CXCL4) that lead to platelet activation and is characterized by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in unusual locations, including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). VITT can be classified based on anti-PF4 antibodies properties in vitro: those that require PF4 to activate platelets (PF4-dependent) and those that can activate platelets without additional PF4 (PF4-independent) in the serotonin release assay. OBJECTIVES We aim to characterize the relationship of VITT platelet-activating profiles with CVST. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients with confirmed VITT who were tested between March and June 2021. Data were collected with an anonymized form and cases were identified as VITT with high clinical suspicion according to platelet activation assays. Anti-PF4 antibody binding regions on PF4 were further characterized with alanine scanning mutagenesis. RESULTS Of the patients with confirmed VITT (n = 39), 17 (43.6%) had PF4-dependent antibodies and 22 (56.4%) had PF4-independent antibodies. CVST occurred almost exclusively in PF4-independent patients (11 of 22 vs 1 of 17; P < .05). Additionally, PF4-independent antibodies bound to 2 distinct epitopes on PF4, the heparin-binding region and a site typical for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibodies, whereas PF4-dependent antibodies bound to only the heparin-binding region. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that VITT antibodies that cause PF4-independent platelet activation represent a unique subset of patients more likely to be associated with CVST, possibly due to the 2 different types of anti-PF4 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Huynh
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donald M Arnold
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikola Ivetic
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rumi Clare
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milena Hadzi-Tosev
- Michael G DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yang Liu
- Michael G DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - James W Smith
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna-Lise Bissola
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mercy Daka
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Kelton
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ishac Nazy
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Michael G DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Roytenberg R, García-Sastre A, Li W. Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia: what do we know hitherto? Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1155727. [PMID: 37261122 PMCID: PMC10227460 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1155727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), also known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, is a catastrophic and life-threatening reaction to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, which occurs disproportionately in response to vaccination with non-replicating adenovirus vector (AV) vaccines. The mechanism of VITT is not well defined and it has not been resolved why cases of VITT are predominated by vaccination with AV vaccines. However, virtually all VITT patients have positive platelet-activating anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibody titers. Subsequently, platelets are activated and depleted in an Fcγ-receptor IIa (FcγRIIa or CD32a)-dependent manner, but it is not clear why or how the anti-PF4 response is mounted. This review describes the pathogenesis of VITT and provides insight into possible mechanisms that prompt the formation of a PF4/polyanion complex, which drives VITT pathology, as an amalgam of current experimental data or hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renat Roytenberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
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12
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Venier LM, Clerici B, Bissola AL, Modi D, Jevtic SD, Radford M, Mahamad S, Nazy I, Arnold DM. Unique features of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia; a new anti-platelet factor 4 antibody-mediated disorder. Int J Hematol 2023; 117:341-348. [PMID: 36574172 PMCID: PMC9793819 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-022-03516-4] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a highly prothrombotic disorder caused by anti-PF4 antibodies that activate platelets and neutrophils, leading to thrombosis. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a related anti-PF4 mediated disorder, with similar pathophysiology and clinical manifestations but different triggers (i.e., heparin vs adenoviral vector vaccine). Clinically, both HIT and VITT typically present with thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, although the risk of thrombosis is significantly higher in VITT, and the thromboses occur in unusual anatomical sites (e.g., cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and hepatic vein thrombosis). The diagnostic accuracy of available laboratory testing differs between HIT and VITT; for VITT, ELISAs have better specificity compared to HIT and platelet activation assays require the addition of PF4. Treatment of VITT and HIT is anticoagulation non-heparin anticoagulants; however, heparin may be considered for VITT if no other option is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Venier
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Bianca Clerici
- Divisione di Medicina Generale II, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy ,McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Room HSC 3H50, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Anna-Lise Bissola
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, ON Canada ,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Dimpy Modi
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Room HSC 3H50, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Stefan D. Jevtic
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Michael Radford
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Syed Mahamad
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Room HSC 3H50, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Ishac Nazy
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, ON Canada ,McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Room HSC 3H50, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Donald M. Arnold
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, ON Canada ,McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Room HSC 3H50, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
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13
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Kanack AJ, Jones CG, Singh B, Leger RR, Splinter NP, Heikal NM, Pruthi RK, Chen D, George G, Abou-Ismail MY, Wool GD, Gundabolu K, Padmanabhan A. Off-the-shelf cryopreserved platelets for the detection of HIT and VITT antibodies. Blood 2022; 140:2722-2729. [PMID: 35998675 PMCID: PMC9837435 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is suspected much more often than it is confirmed. Technically simple platelet factor 4 (PF4)-polyanion enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are sensitive but nonspecific. In contrast, accurate functional tests such as the serotonin release assay, heparin-induced platelet activation assay, and PF4-dependent P-selectin expression assay require fresh platelets and have complex assay end points, limiting their availability to specialized reference laboratories. To enable broad deployment of functional testing, we sought to extend platelet viability significantly by optimizing storage conditions and developed a simple functional assay end point by measuring the release of a platelet α-granule protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), in an ELISA format. Platelet cryopreservation conditions were optimized by freezing platelets at controlled cooling rates that preserve activatability. Several-month-old cryopreserved platelets were treated with PF4 or heparin and were evaluated for their ability to be activated by HIT and vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) antibodies in the TSP1 release assay (TRA). HIT and spontaneous HIT patient samples induced significantly higher TSP1 release using both PF4-treated (PF4-TRA) and heparin-treated cryopreserved platelets relative to samples from patients suspected of HIT who lacked platelet-activating antibodies. This latter group included several patients that tested strongly positive in PF4-polyanion ELISA but were not platelet-activating. Four VITT patient samples tested in the TRA activated PF4-treated, but not heparin-treated, cryopreserved platelets, consistent with recent data suggesting the requirement for PF4-treated platelets for VITT antibody detection. These findings have the potential to transform the testing paradigm in HIT and VITT, making decentralized, technically simple functional testing available for rapid and accurate in-hospital diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Kanack
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Bandana Singh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Noah P. Splinter
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Nahla M. Heikal
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Dong Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Gemlyn George
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | - Krishna Gundabolu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Anand Padmanabhan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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14
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Taieb A, Mounira EE. Pilot Findings on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Induced Pituitary Diseases: A Mini Review from Diagnosis to Pathophysiology. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122004. [PMID: 36560413 PMCID: PMC9786744 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2019, a massive vaccination campaign has been undertaken rapidly and worldwide. Like other vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine is not devoid of side effects. Typically, the adverse side effects of vaccination include transient headache, fever, and myalgia. Endocrine organs are also affected by adverse effects. The major SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-associated endocrinopathies reported since the beginning of the vaccination campaign are thyroid and pancreas disorders. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced pituitary diseases have become more frequently described in the literature. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE for commentaries, case reports, and case series articles reporting pituitary disorders following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The search was reiterated until September 2022, in which eight case reports were found. In all the cases, there were no personal or familial history of pituitary disease described. All the patients described had no previous SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to the vaccination episode. Regarding the type of vaccines administered, 50% of the patients received (BNT162b2; Pfizer-BioNTech) and 50% received (ChAdOx1 nCov-19; AstraZeneca). In five cases, the pituitary disorder developed after the first dose of the corresponding vaccine. Regarding the types of pituitary disorder, five were hypophysitis (variable clinical aspects ranging from pituitary lesion to pituitary stalk thickness) and three were pituitary apoplexy. The time period between vaccination and pituitary disorder ranged from one to seven days. Depending on each case's follow-up time, a complete remission was obtained in all the apoplexy cases but in only three patients with hypophysitis (persistence of the central diabetes insipidus). Both quantity and quality of the published data about pituitary inconveniences after COVID-19 vaccination are limited. Pituitary disorders, unlike thyroid disorders, occur very quickly after COVID-19 vaccination (less than seven days for pituitary disorders versus two months for thyroid disease). This is partially explained by the ease of reaching the pituitary, which is a small gland. Therefore, this gland is rapidly overspread, which explains the speed of onset of pituitary symptoms (especially ADH deficiency which is a rapid onset deficit with evocative symptoms). Accordingly, these pilot findings offer clinicians a future direction to be vigilant for possible pituitary adverse effects of vaccination. This will allow them to accurately orient patients for medical assistance when they present with remarkable symptoms, such as asthenia, polyuro-polydipsia, or severe headache, following a COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ach Taieb
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Farhat Hached Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Exercice Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Correspondence:
| | - El Euch Mounira
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Charles Nicoles, Tunis 4074, Tunisia
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15
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Jevtic SD, Arnold DM, Modi D, Ivetic N, Bissola AL, Nazy I. Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia: Updates in pathobiology and diagnosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1040196. [PMID: 36352844 PMCID: PMC9637757 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1040196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral respiratory infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2). Vaccines that protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection have been widely employed to reduce the incidence of symptomatic and severe disease. However, adenovirus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines can cause a rare, thrombotic disorder termed vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). VITT often develops in the first 5 to 30 days following vaccination and is characterized by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in unusual locations (e.g., cerebral venous sinus thrombosis). The diagnosis is confirmed by testing for anti-PF4 antibodies, as these antibodies are capable of platelet activation without any cofactor. It can be clinically challenging to differentiate VITT from a similar disorder called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), since heparin is commonly used in hospitalized patients. VITT and HIT have similar pathobiology and clinical manifestations but important differences in testing including the need for PF4-enhanced functional assays and the poor reliability of rapid immunoassays for the detection of anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies. In this review we summarize the epidemiology of VITT; highlight similarities and differences between HIT and VITT; and provide an update on the clinical diagnosis of VITT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan D. Jevtic
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Donald M. Arnold
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Dimpy Modi
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nikola Ivetic
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anna-Lise Bissola
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ishac Nazy
- Department of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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16
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Kanack AJ, Padmanabhan A. Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2022; 35:101381. [PMID: 36494147 PMCID: PMC9467921 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2022.101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is primarily a complication of adenoviral vector-based covid-19 vaccination. In VITT, thrombocytopenia and thrombosis mediated by anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies can be severe, often characterized by thrombosis at unusual sites such as the cerebral venous sinus and splanchnic circulation. Like in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and spontaneous HIT, VITT antibodies recognize PF4-polyanion complexes and activate PF4-treated platelets but additionally bind to un-complexed PF4, a critical finding that could be leveraged for more specific detection of VITT. Intravenous immunoglobulin and non-heparin-based anticoagulation remain the mainstay of treatment. Second dose/boosters of mRNA covid-19 vaccines appear safe in patients with adenoviral vector-associated VITT. Emerging data is consistent with the possibility that ultra-rare cases of VITT may be seen in the setting of mRNA and virus-like particle (VLP) technology-based vaccinations and until more data is available, it is prudent to consider VITT in the differential diagnosis of all post-vaccine thrombosis and thrombocytopenia reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Kanack
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
| | - Anand Padmanabhan
- Divisions of Hematopathology, Transfusion Medicine & Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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