Mixed Cryoglobulins and Glomerulonephritis

Abstract

The serum of a patient with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis associated with mixed cryoglobulins showed sustained high levels of rheumatoid factors. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G, M, and beta1C-globulin were demonstrated in the involved glomeruli by the fluorescent antibody technique. Treatment of the patient with prednisone and chlorambucil was associated with a falling serum creatinine but with no change in circulating cryoglobulins. The patient died of an intracerebral hemorrhage.