S.Y. v. HHS - Influenza, Evans syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) (2020)

S.Y., a child born in October 2010, received influenza, MMR, varicella, and Prevnar vaccinations on October 17, 2011. The petitioners alleged that these vaccinations significantly aggravated S.Y.'s pre-existing, asymptomatic Evans syndrome, leading to autoimmune hepatitis and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD).

Prior to vaccination, S.Y. was developing normally. Within an hour of vaccination, bloodwork revealed low platelet, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, which were later confirmed to be indicative of Evans syndrome, characterized by hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Petitioners' expert, Dr. Gershwin, opined that the vaccines triggered a severe flare of S.Y.'s condition.

Respondent's experts, Drs. Matloubian and Gill, disagreed, stating that S.Y.'s condition was the natural progression of Evans syndrome.

The Special Master found that while the vaccines likely caused a short-term adverse response including fever, rash, and seizures, there was no logical or temporal association between the vaccinations and S.Y.'s long-term, severe course of Evans syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, and PVOD. The Special Master denied entitlement, and this decision was affirmed on review by the Court of Federal Claims.

The case was dismissed.