Plasmapheresis with return of cryoglobulin-depleted autologous plasma (cryoglobulinpheresis) in cryoglobulinemia.

Three patients with cryoglobulinemia have been treated with automated plasma exchange procedures in which the replacement fluid was autologous plasma, obtained at a previous plasmapheresis and incubated in the cold to precipitate abnormal protein. All three responded with a reduction in cryoglobulin level and an improvement in clinical manifestations of cryoglobulinemia. The cost of treatment was less than that of conventional plasmapheresis, even though the quality of the replacement fluid was superior. The term "cryoglobulinpheresis" is suggested for this treatment process.