Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis syndrome (CVS)

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) is a syndrome of decreased kidney function, skin rash, and abdominal pain. It can involve multiple other organs and is potentially life-threatening.  Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a form of this syndrome that mainly affects the kidneys.  Many disease, including genetic diseases can make people more likely to get this syndrome.  The most common of these is hepatitis C virus (HCV) but it can also be seen in certain auto-immune conditions, as well as rare forms of cancer.  

The syndrome can damage tiny blood vessels in your kidneys and other organs and can lead to kidney disease and kidney failure.  This an exciting time in treating CV syndrome, MPGN and particularly in Hepatitis C Virus infection.  We now understand several of the pathways that can lead to these syndromes and can offer treatment specific to stopping these pathways including treating Hepatits C Virus infection (direct acting antivirals), treatments to slow the immune system that decrease the organ damage of CV and MPGN, and plasma exchange therapies.

Differentiating between the different forms of CV and MPGN and deciding upon the right course of treatment is difficult and requires a team approach.  At Tufts Medical Center, our multidisciplinary team will carefully assess the potential causes of CV and MPGN and come to consensus about the best treatment.  Team members include Nephrologists, Rheumatologists, Hepatologists, Hematologists, Blood Bank specialists, Pharmacologists and several other medical specialties who work together to provide you the individualized care to manage your symptoms and take control of your health.

It is an exciting time in CV, MPGN and in Hepatits C Virus-related kidney disease. There are several studies testing new treatments. Dr. Gordon is an expert in CV, MPGN and Hepatits C Virus-related kidney disease and helped create the international clinical practice guidelines on Hepatits C Virus and kidney disease (2008 and 2018). He has lectured extensively around the world and published medical articles focused on Hepatits C Virus and kidney disease.  As new treatments become available, patients will have more options for what is best for their own health and life goal.

Our goal is to give each patients a lifetime of individualized care. We help patients understand what is known and what is not known about their disease and treatments to make the best decision for them.  We understand what it is like to live with kidney disease.  Drs. Gordon, Inker, Drew and Miskulin and other members of the team are dedicated kidney doctors who can help you and your family live your life with kidney disease.

Our services include: 

• Multidisciplinary team approach to CV, MPGN and Hepatitis C Virus-related kidney disease
• Kidney biopsy and interpretation
• Use of latest diagnostic algorithms to determine cause of CV or MPGN
• Access to personalized direct-acting antiviral agents  for Hepatitis C Virus based on patient and viral characteristics
• Access to immunosuppressive agent therapies for CV and MPGN
• Urgent access to plasmapheresis therapies
• Dialysis services, including access surgery
• Kidney transplantation and donor-matching services
• Genetic testing in cases of inherited MPGN, counseling and family planning

Programs + Services

Nephrology

The Division of Nephrology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston specializes in the study, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease and high blood pressure and more.
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Center for Glomerular Disease

Our Glomerular Disease clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic designed to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of kidney glomerular disorders. We will use an evidence–based approach combined with individualized decision making to take care of you.
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