No significant differences were found between cases and controls in the prevalence of autoimmune cytopenias (immune thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune neutropenia) or a panel of clinical autoantibodies including anti-thyroglobulin, anti-thyroperoxidase, extractable nuclear antigen (ENA), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), anticardiolipin (ACA), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic (ANCA), or lupus anticoagulant (p > 0.1). The gene discussed is TPO; the disease is autoimmune hemolytic anemia.