Cryoglobulinemia Symptoms

Cryoglobulinemia is a rare blood disorder diagnosed by multiple examinations and biopsies. According to the Mayo Clinic, cryoglobulins are proteins that bunch together when a person's body temperature drops below normal levels.

Organs

• The organs commonly affected are the kidneys and liver. A doctor might find someone with cryoglobulinemia has an enlarged liver as well as stomach pains and a malfunctioning kidney.

Swelling

• Hypertension might be a symptom. The individual might have swelling of the legs or ankles, which can happen because of the high blood pressure or as a symptom by itself.

Extremities

• The hands and feet of the patient might be numb or tingly. Skin ulcers, or open sores, might appear on her body and begin to decay the body's tissues, causing gangrene.

Flu-Like Symptoms

• Some people experience symptoms such as a sudden weight loss, fever that will not go away and weakness. When paired with other symptoms of cryoglobulinemia, a doctor should be notified.

Common Symptoms

• Common symptoms include achy joints, bruises on the lower extremities and Raynaud's phenomenon. With Raynaud's phenomenon, cold temperatures cause a blockage of blood flow to the fingers and toes primarily, turning them blue.

Treatment

• Cryoglobulinemia can be treated by careful monitoring, certain steroids medications, anti-inflammatory medications or a blood-plasma transplant. The goal is to prevent further organ damage.