Cryoglobulinemia
Definition
Cryoglobulinemia is the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood. These abnormal proteins become thick or gel-like in cold temperatures.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cryoglobulins are antibodies. It is not yet known why they become solid at low temperatures. When they do thicken or become somewhat gel-like, they can block blood vessels throughout the body. This may lead to complications ranging from skin rashes to kidney failure. Cryoglobulinemia is part of a group of diseases that cause vasculitis -- damage and inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body. The disorder is grouped into three main types, depending on the type of antibody that is produced:
- Cryoglobulinemia type I
- Cryoglobulinemia typeII
- Cryoglobulinemia type III
Types II and III are also referred to as mixed cryoglobulinemia. Type I cryoglobulinemia is most often related to cancer of the blood or immune systems. Types II and III are most often found in people who have a chronic (long-lasting) inflammatory condition, such as an autoimmune disease or hepatitis C. Most patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia have a chronic hepatitis C infection. Other conditions that may be related to cryoglobulinemia include:
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