What does a positive Cryoglobulin mean?

What does a positive Cryoglobulin mean?

When the test is positive, it means that cryoglobulins are present and have the potential to precipitate upon exposure to cold. The symptoms experienced when this happens will vary from person to person, may be different with each exposure, and will not necessarily correlate with the quantity of cryoglobulins present.

What is cryoglobulinemia caused from?

Hepatitis C is the most common infection associated with cryoglobulinemia. Others include hepatitis B, HIV, Epstein-Barr, toxoplasmosis and malaria. Certain cancers. Some cancers of the blood, such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, can sometimes cause cryoglobulinemia.

What is Cryoglobulin disease?

Other names. Cryoglobulinaemia, cryoglobulinemic disease. Specialty. Hematology. Cryoglobulinemia is a medical condition in which the blood contains large amounts of pathological cold sensitive antibodies called cryoglobulins – proteins (mostly immunoglobulins themselves) that become insoluble at reduced temperatures.

How is Cryoglobulin treated?

Cryoglobulinemia is commonly treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone, and medications that suppress the immune system. Antiviral drugs are prescribed when HCV is present.

Can cryoglobulinemia be fatal?

A potentially life-threatening cryoglobulinemia was considered as the development of renal failure, vasculitic abdominal involvement, pulmonary hemorrhage, or central nervous system involvement. Results: Twenty-nine (14%) patients had life-threatening cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

What does a positive Cryoglobulin test look like?

If you test positive for cryoglobulins, it means these proteins became visibly sludge-like when your blood sample was refrigerated. If your cryoglobulin test is positive, your healthcare provider will do more tests to find out the cause.

Is cryoglobulinemia an autoimmune disease?

Mixed cryoglobulinemia is believed to be an immune-mediated disorder (in which the immune system response to chronic infection causes damage to various tissues) or an autoimmune disorder (in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissue).

Can cryoglobulins go away?

As hepatitis C goes away, the cryoglobulins will disappear in about one half of all people over the next 12 months. Your provider will continue to monitor the cryoglobulins after treatment. Severe cryoglobulinemia vasculitis involves vital organs or large areas of skin.

Can cryoglobulinemia cause neuropathy?

Cryoglobulinemia is a frequent cause of peripheral neuropathy in undiagnosed referral patients.

What kind of doctor treats cryoglobulinemia?

Your treatment team may include specialists in blood (hematologists), connective tissue and arthritis (rheumatologists), liver diseases (hepatologists), the nervous system (neurologists), the kidneys (nephrologists), and other areas as needed.

What type of doctor treats cryoglobulinemia?

What are normal Cryoglobulin levels?

Cryoglobulins do not have a consensus reference range. Serum cryoglobulins in most individuals are in low concentrations (100-300 mg/L) among the high concentrations (60,000-80,000 mg/L) of normal serum proteins.

Are there any signs or symptoms of cryoglobulinemia?

What are the symptoms of cryoglobulinemia? Most people with cryoglobulins have no symptoms other than elevated levels on specially ordered lab tests.

What kind of joint pain does cryoglobulinemia cause?

Although joint pain (arthralgia) is very common in individuals with cryoglobulinemia, joint inflammation (arthritis) occurs far less frequently.

When do you need a cryoglobulins blood test?

This test is most often done when a person has symptoms of a condition associated with cryoglobulins. Cryoglobulins are associated with cryoglobulinemia. They also occur in other conditions that affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system.

What are the treatment options for simple cryoglobulinemia?

The treatment for simple cryoglobulinemia is focused on the underlying disease and managing the symptoms. Treatment options include medications that suppress the immune system and chemotherapy. [2] [4] The number of people with simple cryoglobulinemia is unknown, but it is thought to be rare.

What are the symptoms of cryoglobulinemia? Most people with cryoglobulins have no symptoms other than elevated levels on specially ordered lab tests.

In some cases, open sores (ulceration) and hives (urticarial) may also develop. Loss of tissue (necrosis) on the extremities (e.g. fingers and toes) can also occur. Although joint pain (arthralgia) is very common in individuals with cryoglobulinemia, joint inflammation (arthritis) occurs far less frequently.

The treatment for simple cryoglobulinemia is focused on the underlying disease and managing the symptoms. Treatment options include medications that suppress the immune system and chemotherapy. [2] [4] The number of people with simple cryoglobulinemia is unknown, but it is thought to be rare.

Why does cryoglobulinemia occur in cold weather?

Cryoglobulinemia may only appear in cold weather. Cryoglobulinemia causes clumps of abnormal proteins in the blood stream that can block blood flow. The blockages can, in turn, cause tissue, joint, nerve, and organ damage. The causes of cryoglobulinemia vary from person to person.