Dermatologic Manifestations of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Follow-up

  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: William D James, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 13, 2011
 

Deterrence/Prevention

  • Deterrence and prevention of mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD) includes photoprotection.
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Complications

  • Approximately 10% of patients with mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD) have an increased risk of cancer development during the course of disease.
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Prognosis

  • Prognosis for patients with mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD) is better than for patients who have only one form of overlapping disease. Many patients will later progress to scleroderma or lupus; some will remain undifferentiated. In addition, myositis of MCTD may have a better prognosis than other forms of myositis.
  • In one case series, solid tumors developed in approximately 10% of patients.
  • Nephritis is associated with a poor prognosis. It is considered a common cause of death.
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Patient Education

  • Educate mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD) patients regarding photoprotection. Patients should avoid sun exposure, which is a triggering and aggravating factor.
  • Patients with Raynaud phenomenon should be instructed to avoid exposure to cold.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH  Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Anna Sysa-Jedrzejowska, MD, PhD  Head, Professor, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Anna Wozniacka, MD, PhD  Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland

Anna Wozniacka, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Russell Hall, MD  J Lamar Callaway Professor And Chair, Department of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke University School of Medicine

Russell Hall, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, American Federation for Medical Research, American Society for Clinical Investigation, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Genetech Grant/research funds Principle Investigator; Centecor Grant/research funds Principle Investigator

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Van Perry, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Van Perry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Glen H Crawford, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania Hospital

Glen H Crawford, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society of USAF Flight Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD  Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Vice-Chair, Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Elsevier Royalty Other

References

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Sclerodermalike changes on the face.
Sausage-shaped fingers in a patient with Raynaud phenomenon.
Direct immunofluorescence testing shows epidermal nuclear immunoglobulin G staining.
Indirect immunofluorescence testing shows the typical speckled pattern for ribonucleoprotein antibodies on a HEp-2 substrate.
 
 
 
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