SJR67

A Joint Resolution designating September 21 of each year as “Evans Syndrome Awareness Day.”

Whereas, Evans Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system destroys the body’s red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, or each simultaneously; and

Whereas, Evans Syndrome was first described in 1951 by Robert S. Evans and colleagues in the article “Primary Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Acquired Hemolytic Anemia: Evidence for a Common Etiology”; and

Whereas, Evans Syndrome resembles a combination of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells that normally carry oxygen and carbon dioxide are destroyed by an autoimmune process, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a condition in which platelets, a component of blood that contribute to the formation of blood clots in the body to prevent bleeding, are destroyed by an autoimmune process; and

Whereas, It is estimated that one in every 80,000 United States residents has immune hemolytic anemia, but less than one percent of these individuals has it in conjunction with ITP; and

Whereas, Symptoms of Evans Syndrome may be similar in nature to leukemia and lymphoma, but for individuals with a low red blood cell count, symptoms may also include jaundice, dark brown urine, pale skin, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath; and

Whereas, Additional symptoms exhibited by individuals with a low platelet count may include increased bruising, tiny red dots under the skin, and increased bleeding symptoms; and

Whereas, The symptoms of Evans Syndrome, such as bloody noses and bruising, are often misdiagnosed as minor injuries; and

Whereas, Diagnosing Evans Syndrome can be accomplished by complete blood counts, a Coombs test, gene mutation studies, lupus antibodies, bone marrow aspirations, and additional laboratory studies; and

Whereas, Evans Syndrome has a chronic, relapsing, and sometimes fatal course, with some affected people experiencing periods of long remission and a mortality rate of seven percent; and

Whereas, The exact cause of Evans Syndrome is unknown, and the best treatment options for Evans Syndrome depend on many factors, including the severity of the condition, the signs and symptoms present, and each person’s response to certain therapies, and may utilize blood transfusions and stem cell transplants; and

Whereas, September is ITP Awareness Month, which raises public awareness for part of the pathology of Evans Syndrome; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper, as a matter of public health, to designate September 21 as “Evans Syndrome Awareness Day” in New Jersey; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. September 21 of each year is designated as “Evans Syndrome Awareness Day” to promote awareness and improve diagnosis, treatment, and scientific research of this condition.

2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation recognizing “Evans Syndrome Awareness Day” in New Jersey and calling upon public officials and the people of this State to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution would designate September 21 of each year as “Evans Syndrome Awareness Day” in New Jersey.

Evans Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system destroys the body’s red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, or each simultaneously. Evans Syndrome resembles a combination of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells that normally carry oxygen and carbon dioxide are destroyed by an autoimmune process, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a condition in which platelets, a component of blood that contribute to the formation of blood clots in the body to prevent bleeding, are destroyed by an autoimmune process.

It is estimated that one in every 80,000 United States residents has immune hemolytic anemia, but less than one percent of these individuals has it in conjunction with ITP. Because the exact cause of Evans Syndrome is unknown, the best treatment options for Evans Syndrome depend on many factors, including the severity of the condition, the signs and symptoms present, and each person’s response to certain therapies, and may utilize blood transfusions and stem cell transplants.

September is ITP Awareness Month, which raises public awareness for part of the pathology of Evans Syndrome. It is the sponsor’s hope that designating September 21 of each year as “Evans Syndrome Awareness Day” in New Jersey will raise awareness of this condition.