5 Facts you should know about

Evans syndrome

Evans syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the simultaneous or sequential development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)

It primarily affects children and young adults, presenting with symptoms of anemia (fatigue, pallor) due to red blood cell destruction and bleeding tendencies due to low platelet counts

The exact cause of Evans syndrome is unclear, but it involves an abnormal immune response leading to the destruction of red blood cells and platelets by autoantibodies

Diagnosis involves blood tests demonstrating a positive direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test) for AIHA and low platelet count for ITP, often requiring exclusion of other causes of cytopenias

Management aims to control symptoms and prevent complications, utilizing corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapies, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), splenectomy, or, in severe cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

See our full disease profile

Rare Immunology News