Cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulinemia Causes
It is not known how an individual acquires cryoglobulinemia, but this non-genetic disorder is linked to certain diseases and the hepatitis C virus.
Cryoglobulinemia Definition
The precipitation of the proteins called cryoglobulins in low temperature can cause serious health problems for some people. The condition is called cryoglobulinemia and it occurs when there are huge deposits of cryoglobuline in the blood, damaging organs and causing illness. It could be linked to multiple myeloma, liver disease, lymphoma, and infection. More women are afflicted with the disease.
Cryoglobulinemia Diagnosis
Extensive laboratory exams will determine the existence of the disease, such as complete blood count, complement assay, liver function test, rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulin test, urinalysis, angiogram, hepatitis-C exam, chest X-ray, protein electrophoresis-serum and ESR.
Cryoglobulinemia Symptoms and Signs
Patients will experience different symptoms depending on the organs affected by cryoglobulinemia. These are some of the signs: fatigue, joint pain, skin death, Raynaud's phenomenon, muscle pain, skin ulceration, enlarged liver and spleen, and purpura.
Cryoglobulinemia Treatment
Managing cryoglobulinemia disease involves careful monitoring and therapy. Medications like prednisone, chemotherapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs are administered to manage the symptoms. In severe complications, plasmapheresis, a treatment that reduces the cryoglobulins levels, is undertaken. Patients may also avoid going to cold areas to prevent certain symptoms.