Cryoglobulins
September 12th, 2020
Overview
Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins (antibodies) that precipitate reversibly in cold temperatures. Their presence is associated with cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis.
Collection
- Blood is obtained in pre-warmed tubes, centrifuged and placed at 4 degrees for several days. The tubes are examined daily to determine if proteins have precipitated.
Cryoglobulinaemia may result in the setting of certain diseases, and produces a characteristic syndrome of purpura, peripheral ischaemia and neuropathy and renal failure.
Causes of Cryoglobulinaemia
Type I - simple cryoglobulins
- Multiple myeloma
- Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia
- Lymphoproliferative disorders
Type II - monoclonal cryoglobulins
- Hepatitis C
- Sjögren's syndrome
Type III - polyclonal cryoglobulins
- Chronic infection - viral hepatitis, EBV, CMV, HIV, bacterial, fungal, parasitic
- Inflammatory disease - SLE, RA, IBD
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