Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (pronunciation: miks'd kəˈnɛktɪv ˈtɪʃuː dɪˈziːz) is a medical condition that is characterized by features commonly seen in three different connective tissue diseases: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Scleroderma, and Polymyositis. The term was first coined in 1972 by Sharp et al., who described a distinct subset of patients with overlapping clinical features and with a specific serum autoantibody, now called anti-U1 RNP (Ribonucleoprotein).
Etymology
The term "Mixed Connective Tissue Disease" comes from the fact that the disease exhibits symptoms that are a mix of other connective tissue diseases. The word "connective" refers to the type of tissue affected by these diseases, which is the tissue that supports, separates, or connects other tissues or organs.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease can vary greatly from person to person, but they often include fatigue, muscle pain, joint swelling, and Raynaud's phenomenon (a condition that causes the fingers and toes to turn white or blue in response to cold or stress). Other symptoms can include lung problems, heart problems, and problems with the digestive system.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is often based on a combination of the patient's symptoms and the results of blood tests. The presence of the anti-U1 RNP antibody in the blood is a key factor in diagnosing this disease.
Treatment
Treatment for Mixed Connective Tissue Disease typically involves managing the symptoms and preventing complications. This can include medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding exposure to cold and stress.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
- Wikipedia's article - Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
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