Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze histopathological changes in the liver and serum inflammatory cytokine level in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with and without cryoglobulinemia.
Methods: The study group consisted of 34 patients with chronic hepatitis C, confirmed by serological and virological markers. Ten out of 34 patients had cryoglobulinemia. The control group consisted of 21 healthy persons. Liver biopsy specimens of HCV-infected patients were evaluated by light microscopy using the grade and the stage according to Batts and Ludwig classification. The quantitative measurements of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, and tumor necrosis factor in sera were performed by flow cytometry.
Results: The mean age of HCV-infected patients with cryoglobulinemia was higher than age of HCV-infected patients without cryoglobulinemia. Microscopic examination of liver biopsy specimens revealed necroinflammatory activity slightly more prominent in patients with cryoglobulinemia. The most prominent inflammatory changes connected with abundant lymphoid aggregates in most of the examined portal tracts and piecemeal necroses were diagnosed in patients with several extrahepatic manifestations, such as cutaneous manifestations, nephrotic syndrome, polyneuropathy, and arthropathy. Liver fibrosis was similar in patients with and without cryoglobulinemia.
Conclusions: The serum levels of all proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-8, were significantly higher in the patients with cryoglobulinemia in comparison with the patients without cryoglobulinemia and healthy persons. All microscopic features did not correlate with the level of any investigated proinflammatory cytokines.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12072-011-9268-9 | DOI Listing |
J Clin Med
January 2025
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France.
: Cryoglobulinemia (CG) syndrome is a heterogeneous condition characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins in serum, often leading to vasculitis with protean clinical manifestations. Understanding the presentation of cryoglobulinemia-related symptoms based on cryoprecipitate levels, GC type, and severity at diagnosis is essential for effective management. Hence, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of patients with positive cryoglobulin detection to investigate these aspects.
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December 2024
Nephrology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat, Rabat, MAR.
Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is a rare small-vessel vasculitis leading to multi-organ dysfunction, often associated with chronic infections like hepatitis C virus (HCV), and autoimmune disorders. Most cases involve mixed monoclonal or polyclonal immunoglobulins, presenting symptoms such as purpura, arthralgias, and weakness. Severe organ involvement, particularly cardiac, is rare but potentially life-threatening.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
December 2024
Pulmonology, Israeli-Georgian Multiprofile Medical Center "Healthycore", Tbilisi, GEO.
This study describes a 64-year-old female with a history of hepatitis C and cryoglobulinemia, who presented with respiratory symptoms, including dry cough, shortness of breath, and fever, alongside joint pain and fatigue. Initial workup revealed interstitial pneumonia, supported by chest imaging, and the patient was treated for pneumonia with standard antibiotic therapy. Despite no renal involvement, a hallmark of cryoglobulinemia, further testing confirmed elevated serum cryoglobulin levels.
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December 2024
Department of Internal Medicine, Uwajima City Hospital, Uwajima, JPN.
We report a case of coexisting cold agglutinin and cryoglobulin in a patient with severe anemia following COVID-19 infection, in whom direct antiglobulin testing revealed C3d positivity and immunoglobulin G negativity. There was no evident hemolytic anemia, thrombosis, or clinically significant IgM monoclonal gammopathy. The anemia improved with folic acid supplementation alone accompanied by a decrease of the cold agglutination titer, and the direct antiglobulin test became negative.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCEN Case Rep
January 2025
Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae-Cho, Itabashi, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan.
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