[Essential cryoglobulinemia].
The diagnosis of cryoglobulinemia relies on an in vitro artefact, i.e. the precipitation of immunoglobulins induced by a drop in temperature. Cryoglobulinemia has been described in association with neoplasia, infectious and connective tissue diseases. They are classified into two major groups: monoclonal or mixed (more than one type of immunoglobulin). In many patients the mixed type has been described as essential because of the absence of an associated disease. Recent evidence suggests, though, that more than half and probably up to 90% of mixed 'essential' cryoglobulinemias are in fact associated with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C virus infection. This observation would be in accordance with the clinical response of half of these patients to interferon-alpha therapy; however, more prospective studies are required to confirm the possible beneficial effect of interferon alpha.
Pechère-Bertschi
A
A
Département de médecine, Hôpital cantonal universitaire, Genève.
Schifferli
J A
JA
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003449:Cryoglobulinemia / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000503:physiopathology; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010956:Plasmapheresis
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D016898:Interferon-alpha