Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune
connective tissue disease. As the name suggests, patients with MCTD
have features of two or more connective tissue diseases (lupus,
myositis and/or systemic sclerosis).
The diagnosis of MCTD can be difficult because the symptoms of
the three diseases usually occur one after another over a long
period of time. The diagnosis is based on your symptoms, physical
examination findings and blood tests. A specific antibody, called
anti-U1RNP, is found at high levels in people with MCTD.
The treatment for MCTD depends on your symptoms, the organs
involved and the severity of the disease. The medications used
overlap with the three conditions described above. These may
include steroids to reduce inflammation and drugs to suppress the
immune system. Other medications may also be prescribed to treat or
reduce the risk of certain complications affecting internal
organs.
Self-care is also important in helping control the symptoms of
MCTD. This includes healthy lifestyle changes such as stopping
smoking, reducing stress and protecting the hands from the
cold.
Useful information for patients:
Useful resources for health professionals:
https://patient.info/doctor/mixed-connective-tissue-disease
