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Cryoglobulinemia in chronic liver diseases
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Cryoglobulins were found in patients with chronic liver disease, unrelated to Hepatitis B virus infection. This suggests liver disease itself may cause cryoglobulinemia, not necessarily viral infection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Cryoglobulins are abnormal proteins found in the blood.
- Chronic liver diseases can be associated with various complications.
- The relationship between cryoglobulinemia and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in liver disease is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential causes of cryoglobulins in patients with chronic liver diseases.
- To determine if Hepatitis B virus infection is associated with cryoglobulinemia in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Detection of cryoglobulins in the blood of patients with diagnosed chronic liver diseases.
- Screening for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and its antibodies in the same patients.
- Clinical observation of disease progression and cryoglobulin appearance.
Main Results:
- Cryoglobulins were detected in six patients with chronic liver diseases, including postnecrotic cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis, and primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Hepatitis B virus markers (HBsAg or antibodies) were not detected in any of these six patients.
- Cryoglobulinemia developed during the disease course in two patients, one with chronic active hepatitis and another with primary biliary cirrhosis.
Conclusions:
- Cryoglobulinemia in patients with chronic liver disease may be a direct consequence of the liver disease itself.
- The presence of cryoglobulins in chronic liver disease is not always linked to Hepatitis B virus infection.