2021-05-10

COVID-19 and Connect Care - Guidance for VITT

We have previously posted about testing for Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT). As experience grows, guidance for clinicians is firmed up.
Connect Care prescribers should remain alert to patient presentations that might indicate emerging or established VITT 4 to 28 days post-immunization:
  • a persistent and severe headache
  • focal neurological symptoms or visual changes, including blurred or double vision, or episodes suspicious for seizure
  • shortness of breath
  • abdominal or chest pain
  • swelling, pain and/or redness in a limb
  • pallor and coldness in a limb
  • unusual bleeding, multiple small bruises, reddish or purplish spots or blood blisters under the skin
The most important Connect Care action is to place an urgent order for a hematology consult (inpatient) or referral (outpatient) together with direct personal contact with a hematologist on call (RAAPID) who will guide initial investigations.