Connective Tissue Diseases

What are connective tissue diseases?

Connective tissues are structural portions of the body that form a framework that supports and protects our vital organs and other parts of the body. Without connective tissues, you are unable to move or stand. The human body owes its shape, mobility and strength to connective tissues. Examples of connectives tissues are bone, fat, tendon, muscle and cartilage. A connective tissue disease is any disease that affects these structures.

There are several types of connective tissue diseases wherein the immune system plays a vital role in the development and propagation of the illness. The classic autoimmune connective tissue diseases are:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – a chronic disease that causes inflammation of various tissue organ of the body.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – a chronic disease that causes symmetrical inflammation of mainly the small joints of hand and feet.
• Scleroderma – characterized by hardening of the skin.
• Polymyositis – a chronic inflammation of the muscles.
• Dermatomyositis – inflammation of the skin.
• Sjogren’s Syndrome – characterized by dryness of mouth and eyes.
• Mixed Connective Tissue Disease – a disease or combination of features from the different connective tissue disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of Connective Tissue Diseases?

• Muscle and joint pain/stiffness
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Joint swelling/deformity
• Rashes

What are the risk factors?

Connective tissue diseases are most often seen in young to middle-aged women.

What happens when you have a connective tissue disease?

The cause of Connective Tissue Diseases is not known. Some believe that these disorders may be triggered by something in the environment (ex. virus) or inherited through genes. The end result is an over-activity of the immune system leading to the production of antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues.

How is Connective Tissue Disease diagnosed?

The doctor sometimes can detect a particular connective tissue disease simply by asking you about certain symptoms that you have along with the findings seen on physical examination. However, blood tests, x-rays and other tests are often needed in making a diagnosis.

What are the available treatment options?

Generally, connective tissue diseases are treated with anti-inflammatory agents and drugs that suppress that immune system. The intensity of treatment depends on the severity of the disease.

What are the possible complications?

Because the immune system is involved, virtually any organ in the body can be affected but the most common organs involved are the joints, skin and kidneys. These diseases can lead to joint destruction, permanent scarring of the skin and kidney failure if left untreated. Complications involving the lungs, brain, heart, GI tract are also seen.

How can The Medical City help you?

At The Medical City, we have a complete roster of competent rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physiatrists who can assess and manage patients with connective tissue disease.

For more information, you may contact:

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE, SECTION OF RHEUMATOLOGY

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6287

Email: rheumatology@themedicalcity.com

Reference/s:

1. Klippel, J. Primer on the rheumatic diseases 12^th Ed. 2001
2. West, S. Rheumatology Secrets 2^nd edition 2002
3. Medicinenet.com/connectivedisease
4. Webmd.com/connectivetissuediseases
5. Department of Medicine: Section of Rheumatology, The Medical City

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.