Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the results of mixed cryoglobulin tests performed on patients with and without hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, to determine whether type II cryoglobulins containing rheumatoid factor (Type II-RF) were associated with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
METHODS
The cryoglobulin test protocol differed from the routine protocol. In addition to determination of both cryoglobulin concentration and immunoglobulin composition, the presence or absence of RF concentrated in the cryoglobulins was determined.
RESULTS
A qualitative and quantitative association of Type II-RF cryoglobulins with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis was present among HCV-infected patients.
CONCLUSION
Detection and quantification of Type II-RF may enhance clinical monitoring of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in HCV-infected patients.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

De Rosa FG, Agnello V

Institution

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA 01805, USA.

Source

The Journal of rheumatology 36:9 2009 Sep pg 1953-5

MeSH

Adult
Aged
Cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulins
Female
Hematologic Tests
Hepatitis C
Humans
Immunoglobulin G
Immunoglobulin M
Male
Middle Aged
Predictive Value of Tests
Retrospective Studies
Rheumatoid Factor
Vasculitis

Pub Type(s)

Comparative Study
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Language

eng

PubMed ID

19531750