A video circulating on social media is causing concern, claiming that “one in five vaccinated people” has very high D-dimer levels and possibly microthrombi throughout the body. The doctor featured in the clip is also said to be expressing fears for the future survival of these people and calling on all vaccinated people to urgently undergo blood tests.
The claim is particularly serious. However, to date, it is not accompanied by a published scientific study, analytical data, or other reliable source documenting that one in five vaccinated people has coagulation disorders or generalized microthrombosis.
D-dimer is a small protein fragment that is produced when the body breaks down a blood clot. The test is mainly used by doctors to help investigate possible deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. An elevated value does not in itself prove the presence of a blood clot. Levels can be elevated due to infection, inflammation, recent surgery, pregnancy, injury, liver disease, age, or other conditions. For this reason, the result is always evaluated in conjunction with symptoms, medical history, and, when necessary, imaging tests.
There has indeed been a rare but serious adverse reaction, known as thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome or TTS/VITT, which has been linked primarily to certain viral vector vaccines, such as those from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. The World Health Organization classifies it as rare and has issued specific guidelines for its recognition and management. World Health Organisation
In the United States, CDC data recorded about 3,83 cases of TTS per million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This is a far cry from the claim that 20% of those vaccinated are affected. The vaccine is no longer available in the United States. CDC – Johnson & Johnson vaccine facts
The American Society of Hematology notes that very high D-dimer values may be one of the laboratory findings in a suspected VITT case. However, they are not diagnostic in themselves, nor does this mean that all vaccinated people should undergo the test preventively without a medical indication. American Society of Hematology
Anyone experiencing a severe or persistent headache, difficulty breathing, chest pain, leg swelling, severe abdominal pain, vision problems, or unusual bruising should contact a doctor immediately. These symptoms can be related to many different conditions and require medical evaluation.
Citizens' concern for their health is completely understandable. However, absolute statements and dramatic predictions without adequate scientific documentation can create unjustified fear. Any decision to have a blood test should be made in consultation with the treating physician, who is aware of each person's history, symptoms and personal risk factors.
photo Tho-Ge, https://pixabay.com
