A case of Evans' syndrome following influenza vaccine.
BACKGROUND
Evans' syndrome is an uncommon condition defined by the combination (either simultaneously or sequentially) of immune thrombocytopenia purpura and autoimmune hemolytic anemia with a positive direct antiglobulin test in the absence of known underlying etiology.


OBJECTIVE
We present a case of Evans' syndrome following influenza vaccination.


METHODS
A 50-year-old man with no prior medical history developed Evans' syndrome 4 days after receiving influenza immunization. The patient improved following treatment with oral prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin.


CONCLUSIONS
Influenza vaccine is one of the most commonly used vaccines worldwide, with millions of people being vaccinated annually. Despite its wide use, only sparse information has been published concerning any hematological effects of this vaccine. The rarity of such effects supports the safety of using this vaccine.
The Section of Emergency Medicine, Ben Taub General Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Gil Z
GZ
Shlamovitz
Sandeep
S
Johar
D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone