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…
Living with a chronic disease such as cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can lead to anxiety, stress, and feelings of isolation. Recreational therapy may work to improve your psychological and physical well-being. About CAD CAD is a rare autoimmune disorder in which exposure to cold temperatures, those between 32 to…
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…
Clinical alert items such as blood lab cards and bedside blood cards are important tools for people with cold agglutinin disease (CAD). What is CAD? CAD is a rare autoimmune disorder in which exposure to cold temperatures causes autoantibodies, or cold agglutinins, to bind tightly to red…
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.
Learning that you have a chronic condition such as cold agglutinin disease (CAD) can be particularly concerning if you are living alone. However, there are steps you can take to help you live well and independently. Become a self-manager With a chronic disease, you are in a different place than…
Patients with cold agglutinin disease (CAD) usually receive their diagnosis later in life, the median age being 76. If you have the disease, you may feel as if it struck out of the blue. Here are some things you can do to help plan for the future.
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) mainly strikes people who are elderly or middle-aged, and possibly already dealing with other health conditions. Here are ways family members can help and support a person recently diagnosed with CAD. What is CAD? CAD is a type of autoimmune hemolytic…
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) occurs in only about one in 80,000 people. Due to its rarity, most physicians are unfamiliar with the disease. That could be problematic, particularly if a medical emergency such as a hemolytic flare-up or heart issue arises. Following is some information about…
While the risk for cold agglutinin disease (CAD) increases after age 55, children occasionally develop the disorder. In these cases, CAD is usually the result of infection, lasts a relatively short time, and generally requires supportive care only. What is CAD? CAD is a type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia,…
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