what is the life expectancy of someone with mixed connective tissue disease

What is the prognosis for mixed connective tissue disease?

The prognosis for patients who have mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) varies from a benign course to severe progressive disease. In approximately one third of patients the clinical symptoms go into long-term remission and the anti-U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein antibodies disappear.

How serious is mixed connective tissue disease?

Mixed connective tissue disease is a serious condition which may lead to complications in various vital organs. Complications include pulmonary hypertension, seizures, cognitive impairment, interstitial lung disease, and pericarditis.

How to cope with mixed connective tissue disease?

Practical

• Healthcare Team. One of the most important aspects of living well with MCTD is to put together a healthcare team that can oversee your well-being.
• Symptom Diary. To make sure you get the most out of your appointments with your rheumatologist and other healthcare providers you might consider keeping a symptom diary.
• Workplace Accommodations. ...

What causes MCTD?

• rashes that get worse with sun exposure
• low-grade fever (usually under 100°F)
• joint pain and swelling
• dryness of the eyes and mouth, and
• Raynaud's phenomenon (reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes that causes sensitivity, numbness, and loss of color in the affected areas).

Does MCTD shorten your life?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the 10-year survival rate for people with MCTD is about 80 percent. That means 80 percent of people with MCTD are still alive 10 years after being diagnosed.

How serious is mixed connective tissue disease?

Mixed connective tissue disease can lead to serious complications, some of which can be fatal. Complications include: High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). This condition is a major cause of death in people with mixed connective tissue disease.

Is connective tissue disease life threatening?

Mixed connective tissue disease can cause life-threatening complications such as pulmonary hypertension, kidney failure, heart attack, infections, stroke or the development of holes in the colon (the lower part of the large intestine). In these cases, patients need stronger treatment.

What is the lifespan of connective tissue?

Overall, the majority of people with connective tissue diseases will survive for at least 10 years after their diagnosis. But any individual connective tissue disease, whether single-gene or autoimmune-related, can have a far worse prognosis.

Is MCTD a rare disease?

MCTD is a rare disease, occurring most often in women in their 20s and 30s. Children can also be diagnosed with the disease.

How does MCTD affect the heart?

In patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) clinically significant cardiac involvement is also rare, the most frequently reported manifestations being pericarditis and pulmonary hypertension, the latter often attributable to small vessel disease, and often a prognostic unfavourable manifestation.

What does MCTD do to your body?

If you have MCTD: You may experience pain or inflammation in your joints, muscle weakness, fever, and fatigue or tiredness. Your hands can become puffy and swollen because of fluid buildup. You may see skin rashes, red-colored patches on your knuckles, and violet coloring of your eyelids.

Can MCTD go into remission?

One-third of patients with MCTD will experience a mild disease course and go into remission. 3 It has been reported that up to 40% of patients may enter sustained remission of symptoms with proper treatment.

Is mixed connective tissue disease a disability?

Those with mixed connective tissue disease or undifferentiated connective tissue disease may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if your condition meets the SSA's Blue Book listing. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

How does MCTD affect the lungs?

MCTD lung disease may lead to breathing (respiratory) difficulties caused either by high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) or by causing lung inflammation and scarring in and around the lung air sacs (interstitial lung disease).

What medication is used for connective tissue disease?

Medication Summary Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarials (eg, hydroxychloroquine), and corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy in patients with undifferentiated connective-tissue disease (UCTD).

What causes mixed connective tissue disease?

Disease at a Glance Some affected people may also have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Signs and symptoms vary but may include Raynaud's phenomenon; arthritis; heart, lung and skin abnormalities; kidney disease; muscle weakness, and dysfunction of the esophagus. The cause of MCTD is currently unknown.

How long do people with mixed connective tissue live?

The survival rate at 10 years from diagnosis of the disease is around 80% , in fact, some people have periods of remission that last for many years.

What happens when you have mixed connective tissue disease?

Parts of the heart may become enlarged, or inflammation may occur around the heart. Heart disease is the cause of death in about 20 percent of people with mixed connective tissue disease. · Kidney damage. About one-fourth of people with mixed connective tissue disease develop kidney problems. Sometimes, that damage can lead to kidney failure.

What is the most common cause of death associated with mixed connective tissue disease?

The most common cause of death associated with the mixed connective tissue disease is hypertension muscle. 99 all depends on how you take care of yourself. Nonsmokers with this disease tend to do better. But it really just depends on your symptoms.

How long does polymyositis last?

However, 13% of those affected, looks like the mixed connective tissue disease worsens and it can cause complications that can be fatal in a period of between six and 12 years. Those patients with features of systemic sclerosis or polymyositis have a life expectancy of more committed.

How long does MCTD last?

But it really just depends on your symptoms. 80% live 10 years after diagnosis, but most risks are in those who develop lung or organ problems. MCTD will eventually kill you, unless you are of the view that only develop subcotaneous symptons.

Can Raynaud's disease cause gangrene in fingers?

People with severe Raynaud’s phenomenon can develop gangrene in the fingers. Hearing loss. Often unrecognized, hearing loss may occur in as many as half the people with mixed connective tissue disease. Posted Jul 18, 2019 by mars 100.

Does MCTD cause death?

MCTD will eventually kill you, unless you are of the view that only develop subcotaneous symptons. Also most common complication leading to death is not "hypertension muscle" (what ever that is supposed to mean), it's PULMONARY HYPERTENSION.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With Mixed Connective Tissue Disease?

The life expectancy of someone with mixed connective tissue disease depends upon the type of dominant disease symptoms, rate of progression and the type of complication.

What is the prognosis of mixed connective tissue disease?

The prognosis of the disease depends upon the severity of disease, the rate of progression, complications, and response to treatment. The prognosis of the mixed connective tissue disease depends upon the organs involved in the disease and its complications.

How long do people live with pulmonary hypertension?

Almost 80% of the people survive for 10 years after the diagnosis of the disease. The prognosis is worse if the symptoms of systemic sclerosis and polymyositis are dominant. Pulmonary hypertension reduces the life expectancy and so are pericarditis and systemic infections.

Is mixed connective tissue disease curable?

Mixed connective tissue disease is not curable, but the symptoms are managed with the help of medications. These medications are taken for a long time and they have their own side effects. The patients, through various lifestyles, reduce the burden of medicines for managing the symptoms. Following lifestyle should be followed by the patients suffering from mixed connective tissue disease.

What are the symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease?

Depending on the primary disorders, the dominant features of MCTD range from muscle weakness, thickening of the skin (sclerodactyly), and to kidney disease.#N#Muscle weakness, in particular, is a dominant characteristic of MCTD if the leading connective tissue disorder is polymyositis. Kidney disease and arthritis are meanwhile common prevalent symptoms among patients with a dominant systemic lupus erythematosus. The last of the three primary disorders—scleroderma—once prevalent, presents sclerodactyly and discoloration of the fingers.#N#Other than these classic features, MCTD also exhibit a broad list of symptoms. A general feeling of malaise is typical among patients with this condition, as they experience fatigue and mild fever with relative frequency. Raynaud's phenomenon, wherein the fingers feel cold and numb, is another common indication of MCTD. This symptom is also characterized by the discoloration of the fingers in response to certain stimuli. The fingers and sometimes the toes can turn white, purplish blue or red depending on the situation and the state of blood vessels. Aside from this, the fingers of mixed connective tissue disease patients can also appear sausage-like, as in its size, due to the characteristic swelling brought about by the condition. Muscle pain can also result from MCTD, as well as the swelling of the joints, which also cause pain. There may also be deformities formed in the joints, such as the case in rheumatoid arthritis.

How are connective tissue disorders obtained?

Most disorders of the connective tissue are strictly obtained through genetic inheritance.

What are the three main disorders that affect MCTD?

However, the three primary disorders seen to affect MCTD patients are systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and polymyositis. Each of the component disorder has its own classic features ...

How to diagnose MCTD?

Diagnosis of MCTD begins with a physical exam that will determine the presence of the classical signs and symptoms, such as swo llen fingers and joints . Blood and antibody tests are carried out to confirm the condition. Positive individuals have high amounts of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-RNP antibody in their blood. To distinguish MCTD from its component disorders, doctors can check for antibodies such as dsDNA and sc170, which are typically absent in MCTD patients but present in those with a single connective tissue disorder, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma.#N#The treatment of MCTD is largely dependent on the dominant disorders and their corresponding symptoms. The outlook and the mixed connective tissue disease life expectancy consequently depend on this variable. For some cases, treatment, which takes the form of medication, is only necessary during flares or when the symptoms become worse. In other, milder cases, treatment may not even be required. On the other hand, continuous medication is necessary for more severe cases of mixed connective tissue disease.#N#Alleviating the symptoms is the primary objective of MCTD therapy. Tissue inflammation is addressed through anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressive medications. Corticosteroids such as prednisone, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to control immune function and suppress inflammation. Antimalarial and cytotoxic drugs are also used to treat the same symptoms. In some cases, physical therapy may be prescribed by the attending physician. For Raynaud's phenomenon in particular, a certain exercise is recommended to minimize the symptoms. Meanwhile, complications that may arise, such as kidney disease, are addressed through appropriate therapy. The severity of such problems and the action taken towards them often dictate the mixed connective tissue disease life expectancy among patients.#N#There are also a few home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help in the alleviation of MCTD symptoms. Protecting the hands from the cold can help reduce the effects of Raynaud's phenomenon, while quitting smoking and reducing stress can also do the same.

What is MCTD in medical terms?

As an autoimmune disease, MCTD is a degenerative disorder that is caused by the overactivity of the immune system. In this condition, like in any of its kind, the immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign bodies that need to be destroyed. Thus, normal cells deteriorate and eventually die.

Is MCTD a dependent disease?

The treatment of MCTD is largely dependent on the dominant disorders and their corresponding symptoms. The outlook and the mixed connective tissue disease life expectancy consequently depend on this variable. For some cases, treatment, which takes the form of medication, is only necessary during flares or when the symptoms become worse.

Is muscle weakness a MCTD?

Muscle weakness, in particular, is a dominant characteristic of MCTD if the leading connective tissue disorder is polymyositis. Kidney disease and arthritis are meanwhile common prevalent symptoms among patients with a dominant systemic lupus erythematosus. The last of the three primary disorders—scleroderma—once prevalent, ...

Is life expectancy good for auto immune disease?

Life expectancy is generally good for auto-immune disease if it is well-managed. Most people with auto-immune disease can live a near normal life-span. The key to auto-immune disease is management of symptoms and the best way to do that is regular visits to your doctor and good communication as to your symptoms and the effectiveness of your medications.

Is mixed connective tissue disease fatal?

It is basically a dangerous cocktail of lupus, scleroderma and polymyositis, and it can certainly be fatal ( mainly through the heart disease that can be trigger ed by the disease ), though treatment does exist.

Can you live a long life with MCTD?

I too have been diagnosed with MCTD, it is my understanding that the life expectancy is similar to that of lupus wherein many people out live the 10 year following, you can live a long full life, just keep up on your dotor visits to head off any problems before they become serious. you need to become very familiar with your body and dont dismiss anything that raises a flag. good luck!

What are the classic connective tissue diseases?

The classic immune-related connective tissue diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. Each of these diseases has a characteristic presentation with typical clinical findings that doctors can recognize during an examination. Each also has characteristic blood test abnormalities and abnormal antibody patterns. However, each of these diseases can evolve slowly or rapidly from very subtle abnormalities before demonstrating the classic features that help in the diagnosis. When these conditions have not developed the classic features of a particular disease, doctors will often refer to the condition as "undifferentiated connective tissue disease." This implies that the characteristic features that are used to define the classic connective tissue disease are not present, but some symptoms or signs of connective disease exist. Individuals with undifferentiated connective tissue disease may never develop a fully definable condition or they may eventually develop a classic connective tissue disease.

What are causes and risk factors for mixed connective tissue disease?

The most significant causes and risk factors for developing mixed connective tissue disease are certain gene patterns that are inherited from ancestors . There is no known environmental toxin that has been shown to cause mixed connective tissue disease.

What are connective tissues?

The connective tissues are the structural portions of our body that essentially hold the cells of the body together. These tissues form a framework or matrix for the body. The connective tissues are composed of two major structural molecules, collagen and elastin. There are many different collagen proteins that vary in amount in each tissue of the body. Elastin is another protein that has the capability of stretching and returning to original length like a spring. Elastin is the major component of ligaments (tissues which attach bone to bone).

Why do connective tissue diseases occur?

Other diseases of connective tissue do not have specific gene abnormalities as their sole cause. These connective tissue diseases occur for unknown reasons. They are characterized as a group by the presence of spontaneous overactivity of the immune system, which results in the production of unusual antibodies in the blood.

What is MCTD in medical terms?

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), which was first described in 1972, is "classically" considered as an "overlap," or mix, of three specific connective-tissue diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. Patients with this pattern of illness (that is, with MCTD) have features of each of these three diseases.

Which diseases are strictly inheritable?

Diseases of connective tissue that are strictly inheritable (due to genetic inheritance) include Marfan syndrome (can have tissue abnormalities in the heart, aorta, lungs, eyes, and skeleton) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (may have loose, fragile skin or loose [hyperextensible] joints).

Can overlap syndromes be caused by a combination of connective tissue diseases?

It is now known that overlap syndromes can occur that involve any combination of the connective tissue diseases. Therefore, for example, patients can have a combination of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (hence, the coined name "rhupus").

How long does MCTD last?

The overall 10-year survival rate of the disease is about 80%. [8] Some people have symptom-free periods lasting for many years with no treatment. Despite treatment, the disease gets worse in about 13% of people and can cause potentially fatal complications in six to 12 years. [9] The prognosis is worse for people with features of systemic sclerosis and/or polymyositis. Pulmonary hypertension is the most common MCTD-associated cause of death. [8]

What age does MCTD occur?

Although MCTD can affect people of all ages, it appears to be most common in women under age 30. [2] . Signs and symptoms vary but may include Raynaud's phenomenon; arthritis; heart, lung and skin abnormalities; kidney disease; muscle weakness, and dysfunction of the esophagus.

What is MCTD in medical terms?

Listen. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that is characterized by features commonly seen in three different connective tissue disorders: systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. Some affected people may also have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. [1] . Although MCTD can affect people of all ...

What are the symptoms of MCTD?

Most people with MCTD have pain in multiple joints, and/or inflammation of joints ( arthritis ). Muscle weakness, fevers, and fatigue are also common. [3] Other signs and symptoms may include: [1] [3] [4] Accumulation of fluid in the tissue of the hands that causes puffiness and swelling (edema)

What is related disease?

Related diseases are conditions that have similar signs and symptoms. A health care provider may consider these conditions in the table below when making a diagnosis. Please note that the table may not include all the possible conditions related to this disease.

What is lymphadenopathy?

Lymphadenopathy, enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly), enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), and/or intestinal involvement in some cases . This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person.

Is mixed connective tissue disease common in all races?

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) has been reported in all races and does not seem to occur more often in any racial or ethnic population. The clinical signs, symptoms and manifestations of MCTD are similar among different ethnic groups. MCTD is more common in females, with a female to male ration of 3:1.

What Is The Prognosis For Mixed Connective Tissue Disease?

In some cases features of rheumatoid arthritis might also be present. In the long run the prognosis for most people with mixed connective tissue disease is good. Although the prognosis for the patient depends on the signs and symptoms experienced by them, in about 80% of the patients a 10-year survival rate is seen for the disease. Some people can also remain symptom free for a couple of years even without treatment. However in 13% of the cases the disease can worsen over time and lead to fatal complications in about a time-span of 6 to 12 years. People who have systemic sclerosis/scleroderma and polymyositis have shown the worse prognosis. The most common cause of death in patients of mixed connective tissue disease has found to be pulmonary hypertension.

How long can you be symptom free?

Some people can also remain symptom free for a couple of years even without treatment. However in 13% of the cases the disease can worsen over time and lead to fatal complications in about a time-span of 6 to 12 years. People who have systemic sclerosis/scleroderma and polymyositis have shown the worse prognosis.

Mixed Connective Tissue Disorders

Causes and Risk Factors

Signs and Symptoms of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Diagnosis, Treatment and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Life Expectancy

• Diagnosis of MCTD begins with a physical exam that will determine the presence of the classical signs and symptoms, such as swollen fingers and joints. Blood and antibody tests are carried out to confirm the condition. Positive individuals have high amounts of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-RNP antibody in their blood. To distinguish MCTD fro...

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Prognosis of MCTD

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