| Specific Conditions |
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| Indication for Ig Use |
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| Level of Evidence | Insufficient data (Category 4a) |
| Description and Diagnostic Criteria |
A rare syndrome of thrombosis, often cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and thrombocytopenia has been described including by the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ) after COVID-19 vaccination and is highlighted as affecting patients of all ages and genders; at present there are no clear signal of risk factors. This immune thrombosis syndrome is currently being called several names: “VITT” vaccine induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia; “VIPIT” vaccine induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia; “VATT”: vaccine associated thrombosis and thrombocytopenia and; “TTS”: thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome . As advised by THANZ (17 April 2021), VITT is characterised as follows. Antibodies against platelet antigens (PF4) post vaccination have been detected using ELISA methods, with some similarity to heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) but with a distinct profile on immuno- and functional testing. Platelet activating antibodies on functional testing are considered pathological, and requisite for confirming the diagnosis of VITT. Although most reported cases involve presentation with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, other sites have also been involved (splanchnic, pulmonary embolism, arterial ischaemia), so any patients presenting with symptoms of thrombosis shortly after vaccination should be considered carefully for VITT, and testing initiated in the appropriate clinical context, even though it is antipated that most cases of common site venous thrombosis (DVT in the lower leg) will be unrelated to VITT. In the absence of thrombocytopenia, management as per usual VTE pathway in consultation with a sub-specialist thrombosis haematologist is advised. Patients presenting with organ specific symptoms of thrombosis (eg. Persisting or severe headaches unresponsive to simple analgesia, abdominal pain or respiratory symptoms) 4-30 days after vaccination should be reviewed carefully for signs of thrombosis or bleeding. Other neurological symptoms of cerebral vein thrombosis can include visual changes, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and general symptoms of encephalopathy. VITT is suspected if:
VITT is possible if there is no evidence of thrombosis in suspected VITT. Not all thrombocytopenia post vaccine is VITT. Immune thrombocytopenia post COVID-19 vaccine is also reported and SHOULD NOT be treated in the same manner. VITT is a distinct syndrome that is separate to HIT. Standard HIT diagnostic pathways are NOT appropriate for the diagnostic work-up of VITT. |
| Justification for Evidence Category | This is a newly described condition, with evidence pending. |
| Diagnosis Requirements |
A diagnosis must be made by a Haematologist. |
| Qualifying Criteria for Ig Therapy |
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| Review Criteria for Assessing the Effectiveness of Ig Use |
Review is not mandated for this indication however the following criteria may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of therapy.
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| Dose |
Retreatment with 1-2 g/kg may be given where confirmation of VITT is received and where there is incomplete clinical improvement after the initial Ig dose, as assessed by a Haematologist.
The aim should be to use the lowest dose possible that achieves the appropriate clinical outcome for each patient. Refer to the current product information sheet for further information on dose, administration and contraindications. |
| Bibliography |
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| Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ) Vaccine Thrombocytopenia Working Group, 2021, ‘Suspected Vaccine Induced Prothrombotic Immune Thrombocytopenia (VIPIT)/Vaccine induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia VITT)’ 17 April 2021. |