Is the heparin-induced thrombocytopenia-like syndrome associated with ChAdOx vaccine related to the vaccine itself or to an autoimmune reaction to severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 coronavirus: insights and implications from previous reports in infected cases?

Abstract

Prothrombotic states, similar to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in recipients of the ChAdOx vaccine, sounded alarm bells internationally. Equivalent episodes of HIT were detailed in several case reports of coronavirus disease 2019. This suggests a common pathogenesis and warrants a shift in the management of implicated cases.

Keywords

• Adenovirus mediated vaccines
• avoidance of heparin related anticoagulants
• ChAdOx vaccine
• COVID-19
• PF4 antibodies
• thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura