Connective Tissue Disease

January 16, 2005

Publish Date : 1/16/2005 2:20:00 AM Source : Health Section

ExpressNewsline.com

Sometimes referred to as Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD),

Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) is similar in its design.

Both conditions are chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases, involving a

disorder of the body's connective tissues. With Mixed CTD, there is evidence

of several different connective tissue diseases, all existing at the same

time within the same body. With Undifferentiated CTD, there may be multiple

conditions, related or not, but, at its base lies a connective tissue

disease that has not developed to the point of being easily identified.

Connective tissue diseases may be, or may involve into, any combination of

Lupus, Scleroderma, Polymyositis, Vasculitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis,

Sjogren's syndrome, and Fibromyalgia, as well as other autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are basically those where the body produces abnormal

cells (Anti-nuclear antibodies, or ANA), which turn on the body itself,

attacking major body organs and tissues, in their inability to distinguish

between invading infections and healthy cells. Autoimmune diseases and

conditions, then, wreak havoc on a body in multiple ways, from the direct

effects of the disease on particular parts of the body, to the body's

inability to fight off standard body invaders. With any autoimmune disease

or condition, a person must deal with multiple symptoms and problems, as

well as having to battle a fragile immune system.

With more easily identifiable connective tissue diseases, recognizable

factors have been found in the body, through various lab tests, which allow

physicians to pinpoint a particular disease or condition. With

Undifferentiated CTD, there is the presence of some type of connective

tissue disease, but it is undeveloped to the point of tagging it with a set

of identifiers so that physicians know exactly what they are dealing with.

Instead, physicians and researchers say, Undifferentiated CTD is simply a

connective tissue disease " in the making. "

It may be that Undifferentiated CTD may stay in the same stage in which it

is first found, never fully developing. And, in some cases, researchers say,

the disease may even reverse itself. However, in the majority of cases, an

Undifferentiated CTD is usually accompanied by an assortment of other

connective tissue diseases and/or autoimmune conditions. And, as the body

continues to fight against itself, it is left weakened so that it has great

difficulty in fighting off even the simplest of viruses and infections. In

the long run, many Undifferentiated CTD's will further develop into a more

readily identified condition, such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or any

number of other ugly systemic rheumatic diseases and/or autoimmune

conditions.

One of the reasons Undifferentiated CTD is so difficult to pinpoint is that

many of the Rheumatic diseases share similar characteristics, both in their

symptoms and in their lab test results. This is why physicians are hesitant

to put a definite tag on something which could turn around and evolve into

something completely different.

Whether Undifferentiated or Mixed, connective tissue diseases can affect the

body in a number of areas, including joints, skin, lungs, nervous system,

skin, kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Symptoms and signals of

Undifferentiated CTD may be different from one person to the next, although

many seem to share a mix of similar autoimmune conditions. And, because of

the similar appearances and effects, many connective tissue diseases and

autoimmune conditions are often misdiagnosed. With diseases that can range

from mild to life threatening, a missed diagnosis can cause irreparable

damage, and sometimes a more hastened death.

A connective tissue disease diagnosis is not a death sentence in and of

itself, though some conditions can become life-threatening. Many people

suffer from these conditions for years, able to live a full life with a wide

range of activities. These people may, at some point in the future, see an

increase in symptoms and a worsening of their disease. Other people may live

to a ripe old age, never suffering serious complications of their

conditions. But the key to the best possible outcome is as early a diagnosis

as possible, with the proper - and correct - diagnosis and treatments.

As connective tissue diseases may exist and linger for many years, it may be

difficult for a person to recognize that a definite problem exists.

Especially when a patient hears a doctor say that the symptoms and problems

are " nothing " or simply all in the head of the patient, a correct diagnosis

may take even longer to come about. Some symptoms to be aware of include

swelling in the joints, joint and muscle pains, digestive problems,

Raynaud's (extremities suffering extreme cold, turning white when cold),

sleep problems, and usually an extreme fatigue. Some people say the symptoms

are much like having a bad case of the flu. And, as with other autoimmune

conditions, the immune system does not usually work properly, causing a

person to suffer from more than the usual infections and things.

As these symptoms are so common in a wide range of health problems, it is

absolutely necessary for a person to seek competent health care. Often, a

rheumatologist, the leading researchers and specialists in this field,

should make a correct diagnosis. And, though it is easy for someone to be

diagnosed simply as being depressed, depression may, and often does,

accompany connective tissue diseases and autoimmune conditions, just as

depression may well result from many other chronic health problems.

The causes of Undifferentiated CTD are unknown, especially as it is not one

of the more common diseases. Much of the current knowledge about

Undifferentiated CTD has come from the knowledge base of similar or related

diseases and conditions.

Though certainly a serious condition, and potentially life-threatening,

Undifferentiated CTD is survivable. There are treatments available, relying

on many of the same treatments for other connective tissue diseases and

autoimmune conditions. There may be a need for several types of medications,

however, needed to address the different symptoms and problems related to

the disease. The first step, then, in correctly identifying and addressing

the specific condition and its problems, is to seek the proper health care.

With a good doctor, the proper diagnosis and care, an Undifferentiated (or

Mixed) Connective Tissue Disease can be dealt with.

http://www.expressnewsline.com/articles/fullstory0305-insight-Connective+Tis

sue+Disease-status-11-newsID-2280.html

January 16, 2005

Hi PAULA,

I forgot you are expecting another grandchild. Little is a special

baby. They were not sure they would have any children. It has been a long

five years waiting for them. We have had four babies born in the family in

less than 2 years. I hope they stop for awhile.

Lynn

Original Message:

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From: a54 a54@...

Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 15:54:09 -0500

Subject: [ ] Connective Tissue Disease