What is it about ?
Mixed connectivitis (CM) is a disease characterized by damage to connective tissue.
It is called “mixed” because the symptoms are those of several autoimmune diseases. Normally, the immune system protects us against foreign invaders (viruses, bacteria). In immune disease, the immune system also attacks its own cells and tissues.
In mixed connectivitis, the immune system attacks the connective tissue of various organs. The cause is not known. There are indications that a certain susceptibility or inherited predisposition, associated with environmental factors, may contribute to the onset of the disease.
What is its frequency? Where do we meet her?
Mixed connectivitis is a very rare disease. It generally begins around the age of 30-40 and mainly affects women.
How to recognize it?
The disease exhibits characteristics of four other autoimmune diseases:
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- systemic lupus,
- polymyositis,
- scleroderma.
Almost all patients have pain or inflammation in the joints and muscles. The fingers are often swollen and stiff, and there is muscle pain accompanied by weakness in the muscles.
Skin abnormalities occur because the skin loses elasticity and hardens. the Raynaud’s phenomenon is present in almost all patients with mixed connectivitis.
Inflammation or fibrosis of organs is possible. If the pericardium (pocket that contains the heart) becomes inflamed, signs of heart failure appear, such as shortness of breath and fluid build-up (edema). Damage to the kidneys causes inflammation of the kidneys and possibly decreased urine production. Damage to the esophagus causes heartburn and swallowing problems. Inflammation of the pleura causes coughing and chest pain.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor makes the diagnosis based on the combination of symptoms, the results of the physical examination and the detection of antibodies during the blood test. Additional examinations depend on the symptoms. The diagnosis is made by a specialist (rheumatologist).
What can you do ?
You can’t change your inheritance. Since it is not known what other factors influence the onset of the disease, there is nothing you can do to prevent it from occurring.
What can the doctor do?
There is no cure for this disease. The goal is always to keep the disease under control, that is, to reduce the symptoms to an acceptable level and to stop the progression. The approach will therefore vary from patient to patient, depending on symptoms, test results and disease progression.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic drugs are prescribed for joint symptoms. A low dose of cortisone can often relieve general symptoms; in rare cases, high doses are needed.
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