Pediatric Evans Syndrome as a Multisystem Immune Disorder: A 13-Year Longitudinal Experience from a Single Academic Center

<b>Background</b>: Pediatric-onset Evans syndrome (pES) is a rare autoimmune disorder defined by the coexistence or sequential development of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), frequently accompanied by autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) and characterized by a relapsing, multilineage course. Increasing evidence suggests that pES may represent a broader immune dysregulation phenotype rather than an isolated hematologic disorder. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of children diagnosed with pES and followed for up to 13 years at a tertiary referral center. Clinical data regarding hematologic evolution, extra-hematological immunopathological manifestations, treatment requirements, infectious complications, and genetic findings were analyzed descriptively. <b>Results</b>: Six children (4 males) were included, with a median age at first cytopenia of 7 years (range 3-15) and a median follow-up of 8 years (range 1-13). ITP preceded AIHA in 3/6 patients (50%), one patient (16.7%) developed AIHA first, and two (33.3%) showed partial or evolving multilineage disease with DAT positivity prior to overt hemolysis. AIN occurred in 3/6 patients (50%). Extra-hematological immunopathological manifestations occurred in 5/6 patients (83.3%), with two (33.3%) developing more than one. Second-line therapy was required in 3/6 patients (50%). Infectious episodes occurred in 83.3% of patients, predominantly viral or mild bacterial infections, with no life-threatening events. Whole-exome sequencing performed in three patients identified a heterozygous TNFAIP3 variant of uncertain significance in one case; no pathogenic variants were detected. <b>Conclusions</b>: pES demonstrates clinical heterogeneity, frequent multilineage cytopenia, and substantial extra-hematological immune involvement. Multisystem manifestations may be associated with increased treatment burden. Long-term multidisciplinary monitoring and cautious interpretation of genetic findings are essential for individualized pediatric care.

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Journal
Pediatric Reports
Published
2026-03-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric18020034
Primary Topic
Blood disorders and treatments
Type
article
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article

Pediatric Evans Syndrome as a Multisystem Immune Disorder: A 13-Year Longitudinal Experience from a Single Academic Center

Chrysoula Kosmeri, Nikoletta Rokidi, Ioanna Saougou, Ioanna Paraskevi Papandrea et al.
Pediatric Reports
Blood disorders and treatments
article

Pediatric Evans Syndrome as a Multisystem Immune Disorder: A 13-Year Longitudinal Experience from a Single Academic Center

Chrysoula Kosmeri, Nikoletta Rokidi, Ioanna Saougou, Ioanna Paraskevi Papandrea, Dimitrios Karamitsos, Alexandros Makis
article en

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: Pediatric-onset Evans syndrome (pES) is a rare autoimmune disorder defined by the coexistence or sequential development of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), frequently accompanied by autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) and characterized by a relapsing, multilineage course. Increasing evidence suggests that pES may represent a broader immune dysregulation phenotype rather than an isolated hematologic disorder. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of children diagnosed with pES and followed for up to 13 years at a tertiary referral center. Clinical data regarding hematologic evolution, extra-hematological immunopathological manifestations, treatment requirements, infectious complications, and genetic findings were analyzed descriptively. <b>Results</b>: Six children (4 males) were included, with a median age at first cytopenia of 7 years (range 3-15) and a median follow-up of 8 years (range 1-13). ITP preceded AIHA in 3/6 patients (50%), one patient (16.7%) developed AIHA first, and two (33.3%) showed partial or evolving multilineage disease with DAT positivity prior to overt hemolysis. AIN occurred in 3/6 patients (50%). Extra-hematological immunopathological manifestations occurred in 5/6 patients (83.3%), with two (33.3%) developing more than one. Second-line therapy was required in 3/6 patients (50%). Infectious episodes occurred in 83.3% of patients, predominantly viral or mild bacterial infections, with no life-threatening events. Whole-exome sequencing performed in three patients identified a heterozygous TNFAIP3 variant of uncertain significance in one case; no pathogenic variants were detected. <b>Conclusions</b>: pES demonstrates clinical heterogeneity, frequent multilineage cytopenia, and substantial extra-hematological immune involvement. Multisystem manifestations may be associated with increased treatment burden. Long-term multidisciplinary monitoring and cautious interpretation of genetic findings are essential for individualized pediatric care.

Pediatric ReportsVol. 18(2)
University of Ioannina (GR), University Hospital of Ioannina (GR)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 36%
Blood disorders and treatments
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