Long term effects of cryoapheresis and cytostatic treatment in essential mixed cryoglobulinemia

Abstract

We studied the effects of cryoapheresis combined with different immunosuppressive treatments on the course of the glomerulonephritis of essential mixed cryoglobulinemia. The study was carried out on 11 patients. The effects of immunosuppressive treatments on cryoglobulin rebound after cryoapheresis varied widely. In those responding with sustained reduction in serum cryoglobulin levels, creatinine clearance increased, an effect that lasted several years in 4 patients. In one patient cryoglobulin disappeared, with almost fully recovery of renal function and normalization of blood pressure. One patient died of acute liver failure shortly after the first observation and another entered regular dialysis treatment. All the other patients are still alive after follow-up of 2-9 years. These results compare favourably with those reported by other investigators and suggest that cryoapheresis and cytostatic drugs are beneficial for glomerulonephritis associated with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia.