Cryoglobulinemia - Symptoms & Treatment

Cryoglobulinemia is the presence of high amount of heavy globulins in the bloodstream which thicken or gel on exposure to cold. Three types of cryoglobulins are distinguished based on whether the cryoglboulin is monoclonal and has rheumatoid factor activity. Cryoglobulinemia refers to the presence of cryoglobulins in the serum. This may result in a clinical syndrome of systemic inflammation caused by cryoglobulin-containing immune complexes. People with cryoglobulinemia experience the characteristic symptoms - paleness, numbness, and pain in extremities, bleeding under the skin, and joint pain -- when exposed to cold weather. Most people with cryoglobulins have no symptoms other than elevated levels on lab tests. Men are affected by Cryoglobulinemia more often than women, and the average age at which the disorder appears is 65 years. Cryoglobulins are abnormal proteins that by definition have the unusual property of precipitating from the serum specimen in the laboratory when it is chilled and redissolving into the serum upon rewarming.

Cryoglobulinemia may also be classified based on the association of the syndrome with an underlying disease. Cryoglobulins in the blood (cryoglobulinemia) can cause conditions throughout the body. Type II and III cryoglobulinemia frequently presents as vasculitis, most commonly with recurrentlower extremity purpura, glomerulonephritis, and peripheral neuropathy. There are several different types of cryoglobulins; each type is associated with different diseases and disorders, which may include cancer involving white blood cells, infections, autoimmune disorders, rheumatic diseases, vasculitis, kidney disease, hepatitis C virus infection, and peripheral neuropathy. People who have macroglobulinemia may also have swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged liver and spleen due to infiltration by cancerous plasma cells. Cryoglobulinemia can also accompany another disease such as multiple myeloma, dermatomyositis, or lymphoma.

Causes of Cryoglobulinemia

The common causes and risk factor's of Cryoglobulinemia include the following:

• Proteins called cryoglobulins present in the blood.
• Viral infections such as hepatitis C.
• Rheumatoid disease.
• Drug usage is a prime risk factor for patients with cryoglobulinemia. 
• Inflammation of blood vessels.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Symptoms of Cryoglobulinemia

• A rash on the lower limbs.
• General weakness.
• Blanching, pain, numbness in fingers and toes.
• High blood pressure.
• Swelling of ankles and legs.
• Abdominal pain.
• Kidney damage.
• Swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment of Cryoglobulinemia

Here is list of the methods for treating Cryoglobulinemia:

• Take safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used in patients with symptoms of arthralgia and fatigue.
• Corticosteroids.
• If another associated disorder has been found, such as hepatitis C, interferon-alpha may be recommended with a referral to a hepatologist (liver specialist).
• In some cases, the doctor may advise careful monitoring rather than therapy.
• Immunosuppressive drugs (Cytoxan ® ) may be used to treat Cryoglobulinemia.

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