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Living with Evans syndrome

A very rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys red blood cells, platelets, or other blood cells.

Understanding Evans syndrome

Evans syndrome is a very rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system destroys the body's own blood cells.

It can involve red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. People often have too few platelets and early destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia). It can occur in childhood or adulthood.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • Early destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
  • Easy bruising and tiny red spots (petechiae)
  • Paleness
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Light-headedness

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Autoimmune Association and Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, Global Autoimmune Institute
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which blood tests are used to monitor my condition?
Which treatments are options for me?
Which signs mean I should call my doctor right away?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild and as an Adult

GARD says the exact cause is unknown.

Blood

Also known as: autoimmune hemolytic anaemia and autoimmune thrombocytopenia; autoimmune hemolytic anemia and autoimmune thrombocytopenia; evans' syndrome; immune pancytopenia

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Evans syndromeGARD ID 6389 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Evans syndrome.

Explore the Evans syndrome blog

Explore research for Evans syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Evans syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Evans syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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