The effect of combination therapy (steroids, immunosuppressives, and plasmapheresis) on 5 mixed cryoglobulinemia patients with renal, neurologic, and vascular involvement.

A prospective clinical study evaluated the effects of combined chemotherapy, steroids and plasmapheresis on 5 patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia with renal or neurologic and vasculitic manifestations. Treatment included prednisone (1mg/kg/day), chlorambucil (white blood cell count at greater than 3,000/mm3), and plasmapheresis (1 to 3 liters/week). There was healing of cutaneous ulcers (3/3), improvement in renal function (4/4), and diminution of purpura (2/2), but little improvement in peripheral neuropathy. Complications included leukopenia, perineal ulcers, and osteomyelitis.