Mixed connective tissue disease (patient information)
|
Mixed connective tissue disease |
|
Where to find medical care for Mixed connective tissue disease? |
|---|
|
Mixed connective tissue disease On the Web |
|
Directions to Hospitals Treating Mixed connective tissue disease |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Mixed connective tissue disease |
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shaghayegh Habibi, M.D.[2]
Overview
What are the Symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease?
Symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease include:
- General feeling of being unwell: This malaise may be accompanied by increased fatigue and a mild fever.
- Cold and numb fingers or toes (Raynaud's phenomenon): In response to cold or stress, your fingers or toes might turn white and then purplish blue. After warming, the fingers or toes turn red.
- Swollen fingers or hands: Some people experience swelling to the point where the fingers resemble sausages.
- Muscle and joint pain: Joints may become deformed, similar to what occurs with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Rash: Red or reddish brown patches may appear over the knuckles.
What Causes mixed connective tissue disease?
- The precise cause of mixed connective tissue disease isn't known.
- Mixed connective tissue disease is an autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune disorders, your immune system — responsible for fighting off disease — mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
- In connective tissue diseases, your immune system attacks the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body. Researchers are working to identify proteins produced by the immune system that might cause mixed connective tissue disease.
- Some people with mixed connective tissue disease have a family history of the condition. But the role of genetics in causing the disease remains unclear.
Who is at Highest Risk?
- Mixed connective tissue disease can occur in people of any age. However, it appears to be most common in women under the age of 30.
Diagnosis
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that interfere with your daily routine — particularly if you've already been diagnosed with lupus or another connective tissue disease.
Treatment Options
- There's no cure for mixed connective tissue disease. The signs and symptoms are usually treated with certain medications, such as prednisone.
- Corticosteroids are commonly used to manage the signs and symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease. These medications are effective, but they carry risks.
Where to find Medical Care for mixed connective tissue disease?
Medical care for (disease name) can be found here.