contact us | privacy policy
printer friendly

Cryoglobulinemia

From DrKoop's partner site on rheumatoid arthritis, MyRACentral.com
InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Blood cells
Blood cells
Cryoglobulinemia - fingers
Cryoglobulinemia - fingers
Cryoglobulinemia - of the fingers
Cryoglobulinemia - of the fingers
Definition

Cryoglobulinemia is the presence of abnormal proteins in the bloodstream which thicken or gel on exposure to cold. These proteins may be present in Mycoplasma pneumonia, multiple myeloma, certain leukemias, primary macroglobulinemia, and some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

See test for cryoglobulins.


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cryoglobulinemia can be caused by viral infections such as hepatitis C.


Review Date: 02/03/2005
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Visit Our Health Centers

What's HOT

Find a Therapist

Powered by Psychology Today


PR Newswire





Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Disclaimer

The drkoop.com URL and web site are not associated with C. Everett Koop, M.D., former Surgeon General of the United States.

By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on drkoop.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2004-2008. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.