Cryoglobulins are elevated in which condition characterized by purpura and glomerulonephritis?

Cryoglobulins are elevated in which condition characterized by purpura and glomerulonephritis?

• A. Purpura
• B. Osteoarthritis
• C. Gout
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (A)

Cryoglobulins are abnormal immune complexes that precipitate at cold temperatures and drive small-vessel vasculitis. When this vasculitis affects the skin and kidneys, it produces palpable purpura and immune-complex–mediated glomerulonephritis. That combination is characteristic of cryoglobulinemia. The other listed diseases don’t involve this type of immune complex–driven vasculitis with kidney inflammation, so the finding described aligns with the purpuric, nephritic pattern seen in cryoglobulinemia (often associated with hepatitis C).

Cryoglobulins are abnormal immune complexes that precipitate at cold temperatures and drive small-vessel vasculitis. When this vasculitis affects the skin and kidneys, it produces palpable purpura and immune-complex–mediated glomerulonephritis. That combination is characteristic of cryoglobulinemia. The other listed diseases don’t involve this type of immune complex–driven vasculitis with kidney inflammation, so the finding described aligns with the purpuric, nephritic pattern seen in cryoglobulinemia (often associated with hepatitis C).