What is essential mixed cryoglobulinemia?
When the cryoglobulin proteins are a mixture of various antibody types, and forming for unknown reasons (essential), the conditions is referred to as essential mixed cryoglobulinemia. Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is characterized by joint pains and swelling (arthritis), enlargement of the spleen, skin vasculitis with purplish patches, and nerve and kidney disease. This can lead to recurrent pain in the abdomen, heart attack, and bleeding in the lungs. Weight loss can occur as well as poor appetite. Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is sometimes associated with hepatitis C virus infection. What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with essential mixed cryogl…
