"This ‘thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome’ (TTS)(caused by Astra Zeneca) is a newly described serious condition, with unusual blood clots in the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) or in other parts of the body, associated with low platelet levels" (source: health.gov.au)
There are hundreds of thousands of Aussies with low platelet counts who are being treated by Prednisone. If AZ causes low platelet counts which in turn causes "unusual blood clots" (see above) then it is reasonable to say that a patient with existing low platelets and being treated with Prednisone ought not be given Astra Zeneca. I guess we'll have to wait until a few Grannies die...eh? Those with low blood platelets are mostly over 70 (1b cohort) or those with leukaemia. According to Qld health its Astra zeneca or its nothing for the 1b over 70s.
