Undifferentiated connective tissue disease

What causes undifferentiated connective tissue disease?

Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is type of autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system malfunctions and mistakenly "attacks" a person's own healthy tissues. However, like many autoimmune diseases, the reason a person develops UCTD is not known. Researchers suspect that both genes and environmental triggers interact to cause a person to develop UCTD.

Last updated on 05-01-20

What is the long-term outlook for people with undifferentiated connective tissue disease?

Many people affected by undifferentiated connective tissue disease experience a change in symptoms after a few years with the disease. For some people, their symptoms may change into those more characteristic of a different type of connective tissue disease. Other people find that their symptoms go away entirely. Changes in symptoms are most likely to occur in the first 3-5 years after the disease begins.

Last updated on 05-01-20

How might undifferentiated connective tissue disease be treated?

Treatment for the symptoms of undifferentiated connective tissue (UCTD) disease typically involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as naproxen or celecoxib), antimalarial drugs (such as hydroxychloroquine), and/or corticosteroids (such as prednisone). In people with severe signs and symptoms, drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants), such as methotrexate or azathioprine, may be recommended.

A variety of other types of medications may be considered on an individual basis, such as calcium channel blockers for symptoms of Raynaud phenomenon. People with Raynaud phenomenon should also avoid exposure to very cold temperatures. Those with increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) should try to minimize being exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Wearing protective clothing and sunblock also helps protect against the effects of ultraviolet light.

Last updated on 05-01-20

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Phone: 586-776-3900 Toll Free: 800-598-4668 Fax : 586-776-3903 Email: aarda@aarda.org Url: https://www.aarda.org/
Hildebrand B. Undifferentiated Connective-Tissue Disease Medscape Reference. April 16, 2015; Reference Link

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The RareGuru disease database is regularly updated using data generously provided by GARD, the United States Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center.

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