Mixed connective tissue disease is a combination of scleroderma, polymyositis, and lupus that can cause joint pain, muscle weakness, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Its causes are not well understood, but it is linked to abnormal activity of lymphocytes. Treatment involves managing symptoms with medication and healthy lifestyle choices.
Mixed connective tissue disease is a rare condition that has the combined features of three other disorders: scleroderma, polymyositis, and lupus. A person with this condition is prone to a variety of health problems, including rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms, and constant fatigue. The exact causes of mixed connective tissue disease aren’t well understood, but doctors believe that genetic mutations that affect the production of white blood cells play an important role in its development. The condition cannot be cured, but the symptoms can usually be managed with prescribed oral medications and healthy dietary choices.
Medical research has linked mixed connective tissue disease with abnormal activity of specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes. Normally, the immune system releases lymphocytes to help fight off foreign bacteria and viruses. In the case of autoimmune diseases such as mixed connective tissue disease, lymphocytes mistakenly attack healthy body tissue.
Mixed connective tissue disease can affect people of any age, although it is more common in women between the ages of 15 and 25. Because it is essentially a combination of three diseases, an individual can experience a wide range of symptoms. Most people with this condition experience some degree of joint pain and inflammation, swelling in the extremities, fever, and high blood pressure. Some individuals suffer from chronic skin rashes, muscle weakness and fatigue during physical activity. A particularly noticeable condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which disrupted blood flow causes the fingers and toes to become discolored, numb, and cold, is common.
An individual experiencing symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease should visit their doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis. Your doctor may conduct a careful physical exam, collect blood for lab tests, and take x-rays to check for abnormalities. Blood tests that reveal abnormally high amounts of lymphocytes and antibodies in the bloodstream are highly suggestive of mixed connective tissue disease.
Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, a team of specialists can decide on the most appropriate course of treatment. The goal of treatment is to reduce chronic symptoms and prevent episodes of severe pain and joint swelling. A patient may be prescribed corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and relieve pain associated with arthritis. Blood pressure stabilizers are needed if a patient is at risk for heart complications. Additionally, individuals are generally instructed to maintain healthy diets and engage in regular light activity to promote healthy immune system function.
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