Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

About Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome:

• It is characterized by blood clots (thrombosis) combined with low levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia), which are necessary for blood clotting.
• It often involves unusual blood clot locations, such as in the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) or abdomen.
• Symptoms of TTS: Severe or persistent headaches, blurred vision, Shortness of breath, Chest pain, Leg swelling, Persistent abdominal pain and Easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the injection site etc.
• It is classified into two tiers based on the location of the blood clot and the severity of the symptoms.
• Tier 1:
  • Uncommon site of thrombosis (like the brain-cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or the gut such as splanchnic vein, associated with bowel ischaemia and surgery, portal vein or other rare venous and arterial thromboses).
  • Thrombosis in more common locations (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
  • Platelet count is less than 1,50,000 per microlitre.
  • A positive anti-PF4 ELISA result is supportive, but not required for diagnosis.
• Tier 2:
  • Common sites of thrombosis include leg or lungs (venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
  • Platelet count is less than 1,50,000 per microlitre.
  • A positive anti-PF4 ELISA result is required.
• Tier 1 TTS carries a higher risk of mortality and morbidity than Tier 2. Tier 1 could be more common among younger age groups.