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A woman from Florida, diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disorder Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), faced severe complications after allegedly being required to receive multiple vaccines before a blood transfusion.
23-year-old Alexis Lorenze suffers from the condition which affects approximately one in a million people. It causes the immune system to attack and destroy red blood cells, requiring transfusion to “replenish” the “damaged red blood cells,” according to the New York Post.
However, the report stated that upon arriving at UCI Medical in California, she claims doctors informed her that she could not proceed with the transfusion without first receiving vaccines for tetanus, pneumonia, and meningitis — all administered simultaneously.
Within minutes of receiving the vaccines, Lorenze experienced alarming symptoms, including temporary blindness, vomiting, and significant bruising and swelling. The incident has sparked widespread debate about the hospital’s rationale for requiring the vaccinations and the potential risks involved.
New reports of Lorenze fighting for her life have emerged, which includes severe damage on her ear, according to FOX 11.
Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, consultant physician at Koshys Hospital Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, “Autoimmune disorders involve an overactive or misdirected immune system, which may react abnormally to vaccines. The benefits of receiving multiple vaccines simultaneously include comprehensive protection against multiple infections in a single visit, which is particularly important for individuals with compromised immune systems. However, the risks are heightened for such patients, as the immune system might overreact, potentially triggering or worsening the underlying autoimmune condition.”
In some cases, he adds, the immune system may mistakenly attack healthy cells in response to vaccines, leading to complications such as inflammation, allergic reactions, or even cytokine storms (a severe immune response). While research generally supports the safety of vaccines for most autoimmune patients, it is crucial to assess the individual’s health status and underlying condition before administering multiple vaccines.
According to Dr Reddy, a cytokine storm refers to “an uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signalling molecules that help regulate immune responses.”
Normally, he explains that cytokines aid in fighting infections, but in a cytokine storm, “their excessive production can lead to severe inflammation and tissue damage. This can be particularly dangerous for individuals with autoimmune disorders, where the immune system is already prone to overreaction.”
He states, “After vaccination, some individuals with rare autoimmune conditions may be at higher risk of experiencing a cytokine storm. The immune overactivity triggered by the vaccines could cause the body to attack its own cells, leading to symptoms like high fever, organ damage, and, as seen in the Florida woman’s case, blindness or bruising.”
The exact mechanism behind this is complex, but it generally involves an overproduction of immune cells that causes widespread inflammation and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
“For patients with rare disorders, especially those requiring blood transfusions, certain vaccinations may be recommended to reduce the risk of infections transmitted through blood or to protect against infections that could be more severe due to their condition,” says Dr Reddy.
For example, he informs that patients who are immunocompromised or who receive frequent transfusions may need vaccinations like hepatitis B or pneumococcal vaccines before undergoing transfusions.
Dr Reddy highlights that these decisions are “made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient’s medical history, immune status, and risk factors.” In the case of autoimmune disorders, doctors must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of administering vaccines, particularly if the patient is undergoing treatments like immunosuppressive therapy, which can complicate the immune response to both vaccines and infections.
While vaccines provide critical protection against diseases, special care is needed when vaccinating patients with autoimmune or rare disorders. The individual’s immune status, vaccination schedule, and potential risks must be closely managed, and healthcare providers should remain vigilant for signs of complications such as cytokine storms or adverse autoimmune reactions.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
