Emily Malcolm, PhD,  —

One of the tests that can help diagnose cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a cold agglutinin test or cold agglutinin titer. How does the cold agglutinin test work? An increase in antibodies called cold agglutinins causes CAD. These are antibodies that bind to red blood cells…

Many patients with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) develop heart problems. CAD is a rare disease in which the immune system produces antibodies against red blood cells. When exposed to cold temperatures (below body temperature), these antibodies attack the red blood cells, causing the immune system to destroy them.

The process of getting a diagnosis for cold agglutinin disease (CAD) may be lengthy and frustrating. Often, multiple laboratory tests are required, and each negative test can make you feel like you’re constantly starting over when you’re trying to figure out what’s wrong. Once you receive a…

Acrocyanosis is a blueish discoloration of the skin that occurs because of the blockage of small blood vessels, which leads to a lack of blood flow. Acrocyanosis usually appears in the hands and feet, but it also can occur in the nose, nipples and ears. In cold agglutinin…

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system makes antibodies that mistakenly attack red blood cells in cold temperatures. The disease is characterized by anemia and other symptoms, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. What is Raynaud’s phenomenon? Raynaud’s phenomenon is when the…

Patients with rare conditions like cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can help with the development of new treatments by participating in clinical trials. This is also a way for patients to get access to new medications in development that are not otherwise available. What are clinical trials? Clinical trials are…

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare disorder in which the body mistakenly produces antibodies against its own red blood cells. In colder temperatures, these antibodies bind to the red blood cells and target them for destruction. CAD can cause a problem for heart surgery patients. That’s why…

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare disease in which the body produces antibodies against the red blood cells. In cold temperatures, these antibodies bind to red blood cells, targeting them for destruction as if they were a virus or bacteria. Some infections themselves can cause CAD. This…

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare nonhereditary disease in which the immune system produces autoantibodies called cold agglutinins. In cold temperatures, these autoantibodies bind to red blood cells, which causes them to clump together and burst. This can cause anemia, among other symptoms. There are…

Living with a chronic disease, such as cold agglutinin disease, means dealing with a number of symptoms that affect daily life. Although there are no studies specifically on mindfulness in patients with cold agglutinin disease, a study involving participants with other chronic diseases indicated that mindfulness…