ESSENTIAL MIXED CRYOGLOBULINEMIA - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF DERMATOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS IN PATIENTS INFECTED OR NONINFECTED WITH HEPATITIS-C VIRUS

Background and Design: An association between essential mixed cryoglob ulinemia and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reported. Derm atologic manifestations are a classic presenting complaint in essentia l mixed cryoglobulinemia. The aim of this study was to compare the fre quency and the nature of dermatologic manifestations in essential mixe d cryoglobulinemia according to the presence of anti-HCV antibodies. S ixty-two consecutive patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia we re tested for anti-HCV antibodies. Dermatologic manifestations were sy stematically assessed. Results: Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 3 5 patients. Palpable purpura corresponding histologically to leukocyto clastic vasculitis was the more frequently observed dermatologic manif estation and occurred mainly in HCV-antibody-positive patients. The pa tients with purpura had significantly higher serum cryoglobulin levels than patients without purpura. Conclusions: The frequency of palpable purpura is higher in HCV-antibody-positive patients and is related to the serum cryoglobulin levels.