Overview
Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome is a rare blood disorder in which the body produces too many antibodies (immunoglobulins) from multiple different immune cell lines, making the blood thicker than normal. Unlike monoclonal hyperviscosity (where a single abnormal clone of cells produces excess protein, as in Waldenström macroglobulinemia), polyclonal hyperviscosity involves a broad, exaggerated immune response. This thickened blood has trouble flowing through small blood vessels, which can lead to problems in many organs including the brain, eyes, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, fatigue, and sometimes confusion or difficulty thinking clearly. In more severe cases, patients may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or even stroke-like symptoms. The condition is often associated with underlying diseases that drive the immune system into overdrive, such as autoimmune disorders (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), chronic infections (like HIV or hepatitis), or certain liver diseases. Treatment focuses on two goals: reducing blood thickness quickly (often through a procedure called plasmapheresis, which filters excess proteins from the blood) and treating the underlying condition that is causing the overproduction of antibodies. With proper management of the root cause, many patients can see significant improvement. However, the course of the disease depends heavily on what is driving the immune overactivation.
Key symptoms:
Blurred or double visionFrequent headachesDizziness or lightheadednessNosebleeds or bleeding gumsExtreme fatigueConfusion or difficulty concentratingShortness of breathNumbness or tingling in hands and feetSkin that bruises easilyChest pain or pressureHearing changes or ringing in the earsSwollen lymph nodesJoint painUnexplained weight loss
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the underlying cause of my hyperviscosity, and how will it be treated?,How often will I need plasmapheresis, and how long does each session take?,What symptoms should prompt me to go to the emergency room?,Are there lifestyle changes I can make to help keep my blood viscosity in a safe range?,What are the side effects of the medications you are recommending?,How often will I need blood tests to monitor my condition?,Should I see any additional specialists for my underlying condition?
Common questions about Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome
What is Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome?
Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome is a rare blood disorder in which the body produces too many antibodies (immunoglobulins) from multiple different immune cell lines, making the blood thicker than normal. Unlike monoclonal hyperviscosity (where a single abnormal clone of cells produces excess protein, as in Waldenström macroglobulinemia), polyclonal hyperviscosity involves a broad, exaggerated immune response. This thickened blood has trouble flowing through small blood vessels, which can lead to problems in many organs including the brain, eyes, kidneys, and heart. Common symptoms include b
How is Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome inherited?
Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Polyclonal hyperviscosity syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.