Epidemiology

The estimated prevalence of clinically significant cryoglobulinemia is 1 in 100,000.[6]​ Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is the most common type, and it is strongly associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.​[6][7]​​​ The estimated prevalence of MC is <5 cases per 10,000 individuals in Europe and North America.[7] Higher prevalence is reported in some areas, such as the Mediterranean.[8]​​

Cryoglobulins may be detected in up to 50% of patients with HCV infection, but only a small proportion may develop a cryoglobulinemic syndrome.[6]​​

Type I cryoglobulinemia accounts for 5% to 25% of cases.[6]​

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