Sometimes a blood transfusion may be required to treat severe cases of the rare autoimmune disorder cold agglutinin disease (CAD). In CAD, the immune system produces antibodies that attack red blood cells at low temperatures. Those antibodies cause the red blood cells to clump together and then be destroyed.
People with autoimmune diseases, including cold agglutinin disease (CAD), should be careful about which vaccinations they receive. CAD patients should always discuss vaccinations with their physicians to ensure there are no possible interactions with medications they are taking. What are vaccinations? Vaccinations use a tiny piece of an infectious organism…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks red blood cells when you’re cold. This can cause a symptom called Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which blood vessels of the extremities pinch off or constrict in cold temperatures. You might see your hands…
Effectively managing cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can be challenging. Here are five tips for making the most of your doctor visits: What’s changed since the last appointment? What have you noticed since your last appointment? Do you have new symptoms? Has a change in medication helped, or have…
People with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) often have problems with cold weather. Cold can worsen CAD symptoms, and lead to symptoms not present in warmer weather, like Raynaud’s phenomenon. Raynaud’s is caused by the pinching of small blood vessels, usually in the hands and feet, in response to triggers…
A diagnosis of cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can be challenging for patients and their families. As a rare disease, it can be difficult to find information about CAD or its treatments. To help, below are answers to some frequently asked questions about CAD. What is CAD? CAD is a…
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