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Exacerbation of immune thrombocytopenia following COVID‐19 vaccination
Author(s) -
Kuter David J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.17645
Subject(s) - medicine , exacerbation , vaccination , platelet , immune thrombocytopenia , immunology , pediatrics
Summary There is concern that COVID‐19 vaccination may adversely affect immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients. Fifty‐two consecutive chronic ITP patients were prospectively followed after COVID‐19 vaccination. Fifteen percent had no worsening of clinical symptoms but no post‐vaccination platelet count; 73% had no new symptoms and no significant platelet count decline. However, 12% had a median platelet count drop of 96% within 2–5 days post vaccination with new bleeding symptoms; after rescue therapy with corticosteroids +/− intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), platelets recovered to >30 × 10 9 /l a median three days later. ITP exacerbation occurred independently of remission status, concurrent ITP treatment, or vaccine type. Safety of a second vaccine dose needs careful assessment.