Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is marked by the destruction of red blood cells, cells essential to transporting oxygen to tissues. Their loss can lead to symptoms that include joint pain, fatigue, and cardiac issues. Your doctor may recommend a blood transfusion to help ease these symptoms. Here are answers to some frequently…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare disorder in which the immune system produces autoantibodies that attack the body’s own red blood cells when exposed to cold temperatures. Plasmapheresis can provide temporary relief of symptoms by removing autoantibodies from the blood. Here Following are a few frequently asked questions…
If you are diagnosed with cold agglutinin disease (CAD), it is important to see a multidisciplinary treatment team of healthcare professionals, in addition to your primary care physician, to make sure that you are receiving the best possible care. In CAD, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks red blood…
For cold agglutinin disease (CAD) patients who may need to undergo surgery, certain complications can occur as a result of anesthesia, but there are some simple precautions that can be taken to lower the risk of these issues. What is anesthesia? Anesthesia involves the use of medications during medical…
People with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) who need heart surgery may find that it poses extra risk. It is important to discuss with your doctor the added risk and precautions the surgical team should be taking. An alternative method of heart surgery — warm heart surgery — could be potentially…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its red blood cells during exposure to cold temperatures. Rituximab is increasingly used to treat CAD. Here is information about rituximab, and the range of side effects associated with its use. What is rituximab? Rituximab (brand names…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) cases have been reported in multiple nations across the world. There have been studies over the years in a number of countries that have shown varying prevalence — the proportion of the population with the disease — in different regions and across climate types.
A leading treatment for cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is rituximab. Following  are answers to some questions you might have before you decide to start treatment. How does rituximab work? CAD is caused by immune cells in the body called B-cells producing antibodies that bind to red…
Get regular updates to your inbox.