Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts with the label Platelet

Translate

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS): Challenges in Prediction and Early Detection

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) is a rare but severe clotting disorder. While TTS is rare, certain COVID-19 vaccines , particularly those based on adenoviral vectors, have been associated with an increased risk of TTS events in some individuals. This syndrome involves blood clot formation (thrombosis) accompanied by low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), often occurring within a few weeks of vaccination. While the occurrence of TTS post-vaccination is exceedingly rare, it sparked global concern and led to thorough investigations by health authorities. The exact mechanism behind TTS is still under investigation, but it is believed to involve an immune-mediated response triggered by the vaccine, leading to the formation of antibodies that activate platelets, culminating in clot formation and platelet consumption. Symptoms of TTS can vary depending on the location and severity of blood clots. Common signs may include: Severe headaches or migraines Abdominal pain or swell

Pseudothrombocytopenia: Understanding the Unusual Platelet Phenomenon

  Blood tests are essential tools in diagnosing various medical conditions. However, sometimes these tests can produce misleading results, such as in the case of pseudothrombocytopenia. Before we delve into pseudothrombocytopenia, let's first grasp the significance of platelets. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small cell fragments in the blood produced in the bone marrow. Their primary function is to play a crucial role in haemostasis, preventing excessive bleeding when blood vessels are injured. Pseudothrombocytopenia (Falsely low platelet count) is essentially a laboratory artifact where blood tests show low platelet counts, but the real platelet count is actually normal. It occurs when platelets clump together in the blood sample collected for analysis, leading to inaccurate platelet counts by automated cell counters. Although pseudothrombocytopenia is a benign and relatively rare condition, its accurate identification is essential to prevent unnecessary clinical inte