Overview

Mixed connective tissue disease has signs and symptoms of a combination of disorders — primarily lupus, scleroderma and polymyositis. For this reason, mixed connective tissue disease is sometimes referred to as an overlap disease.

In mixed connective tissue disease, the symptoms of the separate diseases usually don't appear all at once. Instead, they tend to occur in sequence over a number of years, which can make diagnosis more complicated.

Early signs and symptoms often involve the hands. Fingers might get puffy, and the fingertips become white and numb, often in response to cold exposure. In later stages, some organs — such as the lungs, heart and kidneys — may be affected.

There's no cure for mixed connective tissue disease. The signs and symptoms are usually treated with certain medications, such as prednisone.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Early indications of mixed connective tissue disease can include:

• General feeling of being unwell. This malaise may be accompanied by increased fatigue and a mild fever.
• Cold and numb fingers or toes (Raynaud's disease). In response to cold or stress, your fingers or toes might turn white and then purplish blue. After warming, the fingers or toes turn red.
• Swollen fingers or hands. Some people experience swelling of the fingers.
• Muscle and joint pain. Joints may become inflamed, swollen and deformed, similar to what occurs with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rash. Red or reddish brown patches may appear over the knuckles.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that interfere with your daily routine — particularly if you've already been diagnosed with lupus or another connective tissue disease.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

The precise cause of mixed connective tissue disease isn't known.

Mixed connective tissue disease is an autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune disorders, your immune system — responsible for fighting off disease — mistakenly attacks healthy cells.

In connective tissue diseases, your immune system attacks the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body. Researchers are working to identify proteins produced by the immune system that might cause mixed connective tissue disease.

Some people with mixed connective tissue disease have a family history of the condition. But the role of genetics in causing the disease remains unclear.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

Your doctor is likely do these tests:

• Physical exam to check for swollen hands and painful, swollen joints
• Blood test, which can determine whether you have a certain antibody in your blood that is associated with mixed connective tissue disease

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

Mixed connective tissue disease can lead to serious complications, including:

• High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). This condition is the main cause of death in people with mixed connective tissue disease.
• Interstitial lung disease. This large group of disorders can cause scarring in your lungs, which affects your ability to breathe.
• Heart 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.
• Digestive tract damage. You may develop abdominal pain and problems with digesting food.
• Anemia. About 75 percent of people with mixed connective tissue disease have iron deficiency anemia.
• Tissue death (necrosis). People with severe Raynaud's disease can develop gangrene in the fingers.
• Hearing loss. In one small study, hearing loss was reported in almost half the patients with mixed connective tissue disease. More research is needed to understand this association.

Treatment side effects

Corticosteroids are commonly used to manage the signs and symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease. These medications are effective, but they carry risks.

Your doctor will likely monitor you for adverse effects, such as osteoporosis, muscle weakness and infection. You may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements to help ease these adverse effects.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Other ways to control symptoms of mixed connective tissue disease include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), may help relieve the pain and inflammation if your condition is mild.
• Protecting hands from cold. Wearing gloves and taking other measures to keep your hands warm can help prevent Raynaud's disease.
• Smoking cessation. Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow, which can worsen the effects of Raynaud's disease.
• Reducing stress. Raynaud's disease is often triggered by stress. Relaxation techniques — such as slowing and focusing on your breathing — can help reduce your stress levels.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Mixed connective tissue disease can occur in people of any age. However, it appears to be most common in women under the age of 50.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com