National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Evans syndrome

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I was first diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, which then progressed to Evans syndrome. I had a splenectomy and have since been in remission. My husband and I have been together for 10 years, and in this time I have not conceived. Can Evans syndrome cause infertility? If I do get pregnant, would there be a chance my child could have the same condition?

The following information may help to address your question:


Can Evans syndrome cause infertility?

A review of available literature does not yield any information or case reports regarding Evans syndrome and infertility. Furthermore, infertility is not mentioned as being a sign or symptom of Evans syndrome in various resources.

Evans syndrome appears to be rare in pregnancy with only a few published cases. Because some of the medications used to treat Evan's syndrome may be harmful to a developing baby, treatment options in pregnancy can be limited. However, women with Evans syndrome can have successful pregnancies.[1]
Last updated: 11/16/2014

Can idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura be inherited?

The cause of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is unknown. It is not thought to be genetic because it is rare for multiple people in the same family to develop this disease.[2] Only a few cases of familial ITP have been documented, including an affected woman and 3 of her 4 children, identical twins with chronic ITP, and a mother with chronic ITP who had a child with purpura. The child's purpura resolved on its own within 3 weeks while the mother remained thrombocytopenic.[3]
Last updated: 1/22/2013

Is Evans syndrome inherited?

While Evans syndrome is not thought to be inherited in most cases and rarely occurs in more than one person in a family, there are a few cases in the medical literature describing "familial Evans syndrome." The majority of familial cases involve siblings that are found to have Evans syndrome. Some of these cases were additionally associated with other symptoms, such as heart defects as well as other disorders that are known to be inherited, such as hereditary spastic paraplegia.[4][5][6]

If there is a family history of Evans syndrome, we would recommend consulting with a genetics professional to discuss risks for family members. 
Last updated: 7/28/2016

How can I find a genetics professional in my area?

To find a medical professional who specializes in genetics, you can ask your doctor for a referral or you can search for one yourself. Online directories are provided by the American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. If you need additional help, contact a GARD Information Specialist. You can also learn more about genetic consultations from Genetics Home Reference.
Last updated: 12/6/2017

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

Warm regards,
GARD Information Specialist

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  1. Lefkou E, Nelson-Piercy C, Hunt BJ. Evans' syndrome in pregnancy: a systematic literature review and two new cases. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. March 2010; 149(1):10-17. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20031296. Accessed 4/24/2011.
  2. B. Godeau . Immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Orphanet. August 2009; http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=EN&Expert=3002. Accessed 3/22/2012.
  3. Paul J. Converse et al. THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA, AUTOIMMUNE; AITP. OMIM. March 20, 2009; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/omim/188030. Accessed 3/22/2012.
  4. Ahmed FE, Albakrah MS. Neonatal familial Evans syndrome associated with joint hypermobility and mitral valve regurgitation in three siblings in a Saudi Arab family.. Ann Saudi Med. May 2009; 29(3):227-230. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2813659/.
  5. Ahmed FE, Qureshi IM, Wooldridge MA, Pejaver RK.. Hereditary spastic paraplegia and Evans's syndrome. Acta Paediatr. July 1996; 85(7):879-881. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8819560.
  6. McLeod AG, Pai M, Carter RF, Squire J, Barr RD.. Familial Evans syndrome: a report of an affected sibship.. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol.. May-June 1999; 21(3):244-247. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10363860.