MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Cryoglobulinemia: The presence in blood of abnormal proteins called cryoglobulins that, by definition, have the unusual properties of precipitating from the blood serum when it is chilled and redissolving upon rewarming. (Cryoglobulins are gamma globulins with a molecular weight of approximately 200,000.)
Cryoglobulins can cause problems by causing: - The blood to be abnormally "thick" which increases the risk of blood clots forming in the brain ( stroke ), eyes, and heart.
- Inflammation of blood vessels ( vasculitis ) which increases the risk of blockage of arteries.
A condition called essential mixed cryoglobulinemia (EMC) involves cryoglobulin proteins which are a mixture of various antibody types that form for unknown ( essential ) reasons. EMC is characterized by joint pains and swelling ( arthritis ), enlargement of the spleen , skin vasculitis with purplish patches, and nerve, kidney and heart disease. Treatment is with medications which reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Plasmapheresis , in which the blood's serum is replaced with saline (salt water solution), may be done in severe cases.
Cryoglobulinemia can also accompany another disease such as multiple myeloma , dermatomyositis , or lymphoma .
Sometimes, small amounts of cryoglobulins are discovered by accident in the lab in a serum sample from someone with no apparent symptoms.
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
