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Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopaenia D010

Document
Last amended 
17 March 2022
Current RMA Instruments
SOP bulletin on new instruments

SOP Bulletin 229

ICD Coding
  • ICD-10-AM Code: D69.59
Brief description

Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopaenia (VITT) is a rare syndrome that can develop following vaccination with an adenovirus vector vaccine for Covid-19. It involves the formation of blood clots in the vascular system (which may be in unusual sites) and is often associated with a low platelet count and other typical clinical features. 

Confirming the diagnosis

This diagnosis is based on the vaccination history, the clinical presentation, laboratory findings and imaging evidence.  

The relevant medical specialist is a haematologist.

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
  • Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) 
  • Vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia with thrombosis
  • Vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT)
Conditions not covered by SOP
  • heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)# 
  • Thrombosis and thrombocytopaenia due to Covid-19 infection*
  • Thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura#
  • vaccine-associated immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)* - immune thrombocytopaenia SOP

* another SOP applies

non-SOP condition

Clinical onset

The syndrome begins in a narrow window 5 to 10 days post-vaccination. Cases are typically identified between 5 to 30 days post-vaccination.  There may be delays in recognising the symptoms or seeking medical attention in some cases.

Clinical worsening

The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management.  The condition generally requires hospitalisation and a range of treatments may be given depending on individual circumstances.  The condition has an approximately 20% fatality rate.