The National Blood Authority (NBA) has approved the inclusion of 5 indications of Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in the Criteria for the clinical use of immunoglobulin in Australia (the Criteria), and the ongoing status of Vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) has been approved. Both criteria changes were implemented on 29 February 2024.
HIT is an immune-mediated adverse reaction to heparin caused by the emergence of antibodies that activate platelets. It is a rare syndrome of thrombocytopenia and thrombosis which can be limb and life threatening. HIT can also occur without prior exposure to heparin. The addition of HIT to the Criteria will enable clinicians to request IVIg through BloodSTAR under the national blood arrangements.
VITT is a rare and serious condition associated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and IVIg is considered the first line of treatment. In April 2021, the NBA added VITT to the Criteria as a temporary new condition as fast and equitable access was deemed essential for this condition. As part of this decision, VITT’s status in the Criteria was to be reviewed 12 months after implementation.
This review is now complete, and the NBA has approved the ongoing status of VITT in the Criteria. This will enable clinicians to continue to request IVIg through BloodSTAR under the national blood arrangements for VITT patients.
