This name was first given to patients who had a special antibody (protein) in their blood called RNP antibody and had features common to several connective tissue diseases. The clinical features common to this disease include sausage shaped fingers, thick skin, arthritis, muscle weakness and inflammation, Raynaud's, oesophageal problems and sometimes involvement of the lungs.
Other patients, who defy precise classification and have signs and symptoms representative of more than one disease, are recorded as having 'undifferentiated connective tissue disease'. These patients may eventually develop into having a definite disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. There are patients who fulfil the criteria for more than one disease and these patients may have for example, rheumatoid arthritis plus scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus plus polymyositis.
Symptoms vary from one patient to another and it is therefore difficult to generalise on the treatments available, as this can differ from time to time even in one patient. The physician would therefore aim to control the part of the syndrome requiring most attention at any particular stage. When treating these diseases it is therefore important to follow-up each case and to carefully assess any change in the pattern of the predominant clinical feature or features.
The outcome depends on what features develop with time and cannot be predicted accurately from the outset. Fortunately, for many people with MCTD, the prognosis is good and therapy is concentrated on the circulation and the oesophagus. A good balanced diet and rest, physiotherapy and emotional support are also extremely important. Overlap syndromes often require more potent medication.
To download our leaflet on Mixed Connective Tissue Disease click here.
Wednesday, 08 September 2010
The Cool Million!!
To celebrate the charity’s 30th Anniversary in 2012, the RSA is aiming to raise a total of one million pounds for research over the next two years. The money will be used to fund several projects into Raynaud's and scleroderma. People with these conditions will be given an opportunity to send in suggestions as to what they feel are the most important areas of research that they would like to see funded. These ideas will then be considered by the trustees and medical advisers. One of the aims is to generate enthusiasm amongst the medical profession throughout the UK, in order to help find better treatments and ultimately a cure. To find out more click here.