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A cryoglobulin is an immunoglobulin
(Ig) that precipitates when the serum is incubated at a
temperature lower than 37 C.
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The term
`cryoglobulinemic syndrome' is used when patients with
cryoglobulinemia have clinical manifestations.
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Main clinical
hallmark of the cryoglobulinemic syndrome:
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Palpable purpura,
usually confined to the lower extremities.
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Arthralgias
(50-80%): most frequently proximal interphalangeal joints,
metacarpophalangeal joints, knees and ankles.
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Renal involvement
(25%): proteinuria with progression to kidney failure.
Histologically, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
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Peripheral
neuropathy (7-60%): sensory nerves, paresthesia, pain.
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