Cryoglobulinemia is a disease caused by an abundance of a protein called cryoglobulin in the blood. Often it inhibits the normal blood flow and might result in a clinical syndrome of systemic inflammation caused by cryoglobulin-containing immune complexes. This article discusses effective approaches for the diagnosis and management of cryoglobulins. Cryoglobulins are proteins found in the blood stream that clumps together in colder temperatures that cause blood plasma to become very thick, which can block normal blood flow to tissue and organs.
Cryoglobulinemia is most commonly observed in adults over the age of 50. Some people experience continuous symptoms while others go through periods of flares. As cold temperatures play a role in cryoglobulinemia, people may experience flares during colder months and fewer symptoms in the summer. There are four main types of cryoglobulinemia:…
