[Cryofibrinogenemia--successful therapy by decreasing fibrinogen].

Six patients suffering from solitary cryofibrinogenaemia are described. In one patient idiopathic cryofibrinogenaemia was present, while the others showed secondary cryofibrinogenaemia associated with borrelia infection, chronic venous insufficiency with pulmonary embolism, primary biliary cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus or von-Willebrand syndrome. Subcutaneous injections of the thrombin-like snake poison batroxobin/ancrod were administered over a period of several weeks. Five patients experienced almost complete remission of their symptoms, especially of pain following cold exposure. In one patient partial relief was achieved. Overall we found a 75% reduction of symptoms. When blood fibrinogen levels are carefully monitored this therapy is an efficient and safe form of treatment for cryofibrinogenaemia.