What is Mixed Connective Tissue Disease?
Mixed connective tissue disease, also known as overlap disease, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms of various diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, and scleroderma. It is more common in women and peak incidence occurs from adolescence into one’s 20s.
Causes of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
An autoimmune disorder is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly destroys your body cells, detecting them as foreign invaders. The exact cause for this is unclear; however, it may be triggered by an infection. Those with a family history of mixed connective tissue disease are at a higher risk for developing the condition.
Symptoms of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Some of the common symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease include:
- Edema
- Cold and numb fingers and toes
- Rashes
- Anemia
- Joint pain
- Weak muscles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Spleen enlargement
- Damage to blood vessels
- Fever or fatigue
- Acid reflux
- Patches on skin
Diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Diagnosing mixed connective tissue disease is difficult as the symptoms vary. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order the following:
- Blood test: This helps to detect the antibodies produced by your body or the presence of other identifying substances.
- Electromyography: This process involves the use of small electrodes inserted into the muscles to record electrical activity
- Muscle Biopsies: A small tissue sample (biopsy) will be taken from the muscle for examination and analysis under a microscope.
Treatment for Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
There is no specific treatment method for mixed connective tissue disease, as it depends on the organs affected. Your doctor will prescribe medications based on the severity and to help manage the symptoms. These include:
- Corticosteroids: These drugs will prevent the immune cells from destroying your healthy cells and reduce inflammation.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs): Your doctor will recommend NSAIDs to treat inflammation and pain
- Immunosuppressants: These are drugs that suppress the immune system, preventing it from attacking healthy cells.
- Antimalarial Drugs: Your doctor will advise hydroxychloroquine to help treat mild forms of the disease.
- Calcium channel blockers: These are mainly used to treat Raynaud’s phenomenon by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Medications: This medicine is employed to reduce the pressure associated with pulmonary hypertension caused by mixed connective tissue disease.
