Evans Syndrome | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of Evans syndrome?
The symptoms of Evans syndrome may be similar in nature to leukemia and lymphoma; these illnesses must be ruled out before a diagnosis is made.
If a child has a low red blood cell (RBC) count, symptoms may include:
If a child has a low platelet count, symptoms may include:
- Increased bruising
- Petechia: tiny red dots under the skin that are a result of very small bleeds into the skin
- Increased bleeding symptoms, such as a bloody nose or heavy menses
If a child has a low neutrophil count, symptoms may include:
- Fevers
- Mouth sores
- Increased bacterial infections
What causes Evans syndrome?
The current cause for Evans syndrome is unknown.
Evans Syndrome | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is Evans syndrome diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose Evans syndrome with a variety of blood tests, including:
- Complete blood count
- Coombs test: a blood test that identifies the cause of anemia
- Reticulocyte count: a blood test that measures how fast new red blood cells called reticulocytes are made by bone marrow and released into the blood
Other tests may include bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and flow cytometry, a technique for identifying and sorting cells by staining with a fluorescent dye. After all tests are completed, doctors will be able to outline the best treatment options.
How is Evans syndrome treated?
The first-line treatments for Evans syndrome are corticosteroid, such as prednisone, and intravenous immunoglobulin, which help to control acute episodes. Most children respond to this treatment, but relapses frequently occur. Other treatments include:
- Immunosuppressive drugs, such as 6-mercaptopurine and mycophenolate mofetil
- Removal of the spleen to improve blood counts, which may be short-lived
- Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody
- Stem cell transplant, for severe, difficult-to-treat cases, and the best chance for a long-term cure
What is the long-term outlook for children with Evans syndrome?
For children with Evans syndrome, recurrences of thrombocytopenia, anemia, and also neutropenia are common. It can sometimes remain well controlled on long-term immunosuppressant therapy, and occasionally patients have spontaneous complete resolution of the condition.
How we care for Evans syndrome
Children with Evans syndrome are treated at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Our Blood Disorders Center provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and preventive services for a wide range of non-malignant blood disorders, including Evans syndrome. Your child will receive care from some of the world’s most experienced hematologists.
