Following Digemid alert on Pfizer vaccine: what is myocarditis and pericarditis?

After the General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (Digemid) of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) warned about the appearance of some possible cases of myocarditis and pericarditis reported in the United States after immunization against the COVID-19 With vaccines that use the messenger RNA (mRNA) platform, it is necessary to know what these two adverse events are about.

According to Digemid Alert 062-2021, in Peru, the vaccine produced by Pfizer (Comirnaty®) uses the mRNA platform, and to date it has a conditional sanitary registry and is included in the Updated National Vaccination Plan against COVID-19.

This advisory document notes that in both cases, these reactions (myocarditis and pericarditis) occur when the body’s immune system is causing inflammation in response to an infection or some other trigger.

However, the Digemid clarified that it is necessary to highlight that maintains the recommendation to continue vaccination with the Pfizer vaccine within the indications described in safety information, since, so far, the risk benefit balance remains favorable.

What is myocarditis?

The myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. It can affect the heart’s electrical system, reducing the heart’s ability to pump and can cause fast or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

According to the mayoclinic.org portal, it usually occurs as a result of a viral infection, but it can be the result of a reaction to a drug or part of a more general inflammatory condition.

In severe myocarditis, the heart is weakened, so the rest of the body does not get enough blood. Clots can form in the heart that could lead to a stroke or heart attack.

Symptoms

If you have a moderate case of myocarditis or if you are going through the early stages, you may have mild or no symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

On severe cases, the signs and symptoms of myocarditis vary depending on the cause of the disease. Common signs and symptoms of myocarditis are:

• Chest pain
• Abnormal or fast heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Difficulty breathing, at rest, or during physical activity
• Fluid retention with swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
• Fatigue

What is pericarditis?

The pericarditis It is the inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. It often causes sharp chest pain and sometimes other symptoms.

This reaction is usually mild and disappears without treatment, according to the mayoclinic.org web platform. Treatment of the most severe cases may include the administration of medications and, rarely, surgery.

Symptoms

• Chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis. It is usually sharp or stabbing. However, some people have a dull and persistent chest pain or that feels like pressure.
• The pain usually occurs behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest.
• It can spread to the left shoulder and neck.
• It often intensifies when you cough, lie down, or take a deep breath.
• Sitting and leaning forward often relieve pain.

Other signs and symptoms of pericarditis may include the following:

• Abdominal or leg swelling
• Tos
• Fatigue or a general feeling of weakness or listlessness
• Low fever
• Pounding palpitations or a fast heartbeat (heart palpitations)
• Shortness of breath when lying down

What does the Digemid alert say?

The paper notes that these adverse events of myocarditis and pericarditis in the United States were detected particularly in teens and young adults, predominantly men over 16 years of age and can occur mainly after the second dose of the vaccine.

“The severity of myocarditis and pericarditis cases can vary. Most people who had the event after vaccination with an mRNA immunizing agent against COVID-19 in the United States and sought medical attention responded well to treatment (medications and rest) “, says the document.

Given this identification of adverse events, the Digems provided recommendations to health personnel and citizens. In this sense, he mentioned that it is necessary to identify the signs and symptoms related to myocarditis and pericarditis for subsequent notification to the Peruvian Pharmacovigilance and Technovigilance System, reporting it to the following email: [email protected].