A rare chronic hematologic disorder characterized by the simultaneous or sequential association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA; a disorder in which auto-antibodies are directed against red blood cells causing anemia of varying degrees of severity) with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP; a coagulation disorder in which auto-antibodies are directed against platelets causing hemorrhagic episodes) and occasionally autoimmune neutropenia, in the absence of a known underlying etiology.
Increased level of cryoglobulins in the blood. Cryoglobulins are abnormal immunoglobulins, especially IGG or IGM, that precipitate spontaneously when serum is cooled below 37 degrees Celsius.
Rituximab for refractory Evans syndrome and other immune-mediated hematologic diseases.
Mantadakis E, Danilatou V, Stiakaki E, Kalmanti M. Am J Hematol. 2004;77(3):303-10.
Rituximab appears safe and modestly effective in a variety of immune-mediated hematologic diseases, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia, chronic immune thrombocytopenia, Evans syndrome, pure red cell aplasia, mixed type II cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
