Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month: Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, or MCTD, is a rare autoimmune disorder that is sometimes known as an overlap disease. Signs and symptoms of MCTD are similar to ones found in Lupus, Scleroderma, Polymyositis, Sjogren's, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Raynaud's Phenomenon.
With MCTD, symptoms of the above illnesses may not appear at the same time. They are shown to occur over a period of several years, which can make diagnosing the disease extremely complicated.
What causes MCTD?
The exact cause of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is still unknown. However, because the immune system in people with MCTD mistakenly battles against healthy cells, it is considered an autoimmune disorder.
When it comes to connective tissue disorders like MCTD, the immune system attacks fibers that are responsible for framing and supporting your body. Researchers are still working to identify what specific proteins (in the immune system) are responsible for the symptoms of MCTD.
Symptoms of MCTD
-Feeling unwell/Malaise (this feeling may be accompanied by a mild fever and increased fatigue).
-Raynaud's Phenomenon
-Swollen hands or fingers (fingers begin to look like sausages).
-Joint and Muscle pain: Joints may appear deformed. It may be similar to what you might see in someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
-Rash: What you will be looking for is a reddish brown/red patch over your knuckles.
-Feeling unwell/Malaise (this feeling may be accompanied by a mild fever and increased fatigue).
-Raynaud's Phenomenon
-Swollen hands or fingers (fingers begin to look like sausages).
-Joint and Muscle pain: Joints may appear deformed. It may be similar to what you might see in someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
-Rash: What you will be looking for is a reddish brown/red patch over your knuckles.
How is MCTD diagnosed?
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, looking for swollen joints and swollen hands.
Next, your doctor will order a blood test in order to check to see if you have an antibody that is often seen in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease cases.
How is MCTD treated?
While this condition has no cure, symptoms can be managed by medication.
Some of the medications you may be prescribed include:
-AntiMalarial Drugs, such as Plaquenil.
-Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone.
-Immunosuppressants
-Pulmonary hypertension medications
-Calcium channel blockers.
Closing remarks:
One of my friends from college has Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, and from what I've seen her go through, it is a b*tch of a disease. It is important that you adhere to the doctor's orders and take your medication as prescribed.
Also, it's very important to have a doctor who is understanding about this illness. My friend recently went through a horrible ordeal where she was having a hard time getting in touch with her doctor. She needed meds and her doctor was on vacation. My friend told me she went to the emergency room because of a horrifically painful flare up, and the ER doctors didn't take her seriously. It could be because she had state insurance, I don't know. All I know is, it shouldn't matter what insurance someone has or doesn't have. When it comes to MCTD flare ups, the patient needs to get treated urgently. The complications are horrible. We're talking about hearing loss, kidney damage, lung disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease (this accounts for the number one cause of death in 20% of people with MCTD).
If you suspect that you may have MCTD, or any of the illnesses I have talked about this month, consult with a doctor who is well-versed in autoimmune illnesses. Make sure you have all your records (diagnosis of MCTD, treatment plan, etc) with you in case you run into a similar situation as my friend, and have to be seen at the ER. Be insistent. This is your health and your life, do not let anyone treat you as horribly as those ER doctors treated my friend.
