American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What treatment is commonly associated with the reduction of cryoglobulinemia?

1. Rituximab therapy

2. Nsaids

3. Antibiotics

4. Anticoagulants

The correct answer is: Rituximab therapy

Rituximab therapy is commonly associated with the reduction of cryoglobulinemia, particularly in cases where the condition is linked to underlying diseases such as hepatitis C and certain autoimmune disorders. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 on B cells, leading to their depletion. This reduces the production of abnormal antibodies, including those causing cryoglobulinemia, thereby alleviating the symptoms and manifestations associated with the condition. Other treatments such as NSAIDs, antibiotics, and anticoagulants do not address the underlying immune mechanisms driving cryoglobulinemia. While NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation associated with the condition, they do not directly reduce the cryoglobulins. Antibiotics would only be beneficial if there were a bacterial infection contributing to the symptoms, and anticoagulants are primarily used for managing thromboembolic events rather than addressing the immunological aspects of cryoglobulinemia. Therefore, rituximab is recognized as a more effective treatment option for this specific clinical scenario.