Breakthrough by Greifswald researchers
Corona aktuell: cause of thrombosis found in AstraZeneca vaccine
© Tobias Arhelger / Shutterstock
Greifswald researchers have apparently found the cause of the brain thrombosis that occurred after vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine. According to this, a certain defense mechanism seems to be the reason for the serious side effect in some people.
This week, not only experts in Germany puzzled whether a vaccination with the corona vaccine from AstraZeneca in this country led to clots in the brains of seven people. Three of those affected died from this thrombosis – and the vaccinations were stopped for the time being. Researchers from the University of Greifswald are now reporting loudly NDR 1 Radio MV surprising to have discovered the cause of this serious side effect: According to their research, the drug triggers a defense mechanism in some people that leads to brain thrombosis.
Platelets are activated by vaccine
In order to find out the cause of the thrombosis, the researchers said they turned to the Paul Ehrlich Institute as soon as the vaccination ban was imposed. They were then given blood samples from six of the thrombosis patients for examination. The scientists found that the AstraZeneca vaccine activates the so-called platelets. In the case of a wound in the body, these normally ensure that the blood clots and the wound is closed. In some of the patients, vaccination with the drug activated a certain mechanism by which blood clots formed in the brain.
Discovery makes treatment possible
This discovery is a real breakthrough. Because the mechanism has been precisely identified, the researchers were also able to directly develop a treatment method against it. Patients who develop a thrombosis after the vaccination can now be given a special active ingredient against it. However, this active ingredient cannot be used preventively – treatment is only possible if a blood clot has actually formed.
The researchers emphasize that the fast The success of her examination was only possible thanks to the good cooperation with the Paul Ehrlich Institute and with Austrian doctors. A nurse there had previously died of a brain thrombosis after being vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Would you like more background information on the topic? In this article we explain why the often used comparison of thrombosis after vaccination and as a side effect of the pill does not make sense.
Swell: NDR, NDR 1 Radio MV