Connective Tissue Disorders

Collagen Disorders and Their Causes

Feb 23, 2007
Elaine Moore

The autoimmune connective tissue disorders include various organ-specific and systemic conditions such as lupus and Sjogren's that affect structural tissue.

Connective tissue disorders include a family of more than 200 different disorders that affect connective tissues. Connective tissue disorders are caused primarily by gene mutations affecting the production of tissue and by a number of different specific and overlapping autoimmune diseases.

In autoimmune connective tissue disorders, specific organs (organ-specific diseases) or multiple organs (systemic diseases) may be affected. Up until the late 70’s, most systemic or rheumatological autoimmune diseases were referred to as connective tissue diseases or collagen diseases. Today, connective tissue diseases are classified as either 1) autoimmune connective tissue disorders such as lupus disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatomyositis or 2) heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTDs) such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa, and Marfan syndrome caused by gene mutations. In the HCTDs, alterations in affected genes may change the structure and development of connective tissue in specific organs.

Connective Tissue

Connective tissue is a glue-like material or matrix that connects the cells that make up the body’s tissues. Connective tissue gives the body’s tissues and organs strength, form, and flexibility. Connective tissue also provides nutrients to tissue and aids in the special functions of certain tissues. For instance, connective tissue in joints gives them the ability to move. Connective tissue is composed of dozens of proteins and compounds containing various combinations of protein and glucose. Connective tissues' component proteins include collagens, elastins, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. Various combinations of these proteins are found in different tissues. For instance the connective tissue in ligaments is primarily composed of elastin. Connective tissue is found in many different organs, including the skin, bones, joints, heart, blood vessels, lungs, eyes and ears.

Autoimmune Connnective Tissue Disorders

The autoimmune connective tissue disorders include a number of specific conditions and overlap syndromes including:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)

Polymyositis

Dermatomyositis

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

Sjogren’s syndrome and Sjogren's subtypes

Various forms of vasculitis including temporal arteritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, and central nervous system vasculitis

Mixed connective tissue disease

Undifferentiated connective tissue disease

Raynaud’s syndrome and disease

Lupus overlap syndromes

Autoimmune overlap syndromes

Disease Course and Symptoms

Females are more likely to be affected than males, and although the prime age is 30-50 years, people of all ages may be affected. Most of the autoimmune connective tissue disorders affect multiple tissues, and the blood vessels are the organs most often affected. Many of the specific autoimmune connective disorders tend to overlap or appear in conjunction with other connective tissue disorders. For instance, patients with SLE may have joint problems characteristically seen in rheumatoid arthritis. The autoimmune connective tissue disorders may develop slowly over many years or they may present abruptly and show rapid progression, and they're typically characterized by alternating periods of remission and flares.

Symptoms in autoimmune connective disorders may affect the function of specific organs such as the kidney involvement that often occurs in SLE or the joint pain characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Pain, inflammation, tenderness, dryness and irritation of mucous membranes, and rashes and hives are all prominent features.

Specific connective tissue disorders cause specific symptoms, and specific disorders are associated with the presence of specific antinuclear antibody patterns and circulating blood levels of rheumatoid factor. Symptoms, autoantibody test results, inflammatory blood markers, and imaging tests are used to diagnose specific conditions. However, antinuclear (ANA) test results are sometimes inconclusive and there are known pitfalls to ANA testing. When an absence of classic symptoms and autoantibody patterns make diagnosis difficult, patients are said to have undifferentiated connective tissue disease. Undifferentiated connective tissue disorders may eventually develop into classic connective tissue diseases or they may remain undefined.

Resources:

Elaine Moore, Autoimmune Diseases and Their Environmental Triggers, Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company, 2002

Thomas Medgser, Lupus in Overlap with Other Connective Tissue Diseases, Lupus Foundation of America, www.lupus.org/education/brochures/connective.html

Elaine at NYC Best of Reference Library Awards, Lisa Moore

Elaine Moore - I'm a retired medical technologist and medical writer with more than 30 years experience working in hospital laboratories. Currently, I ...

Comments

Dec 1, 2008 1:59 PM

Guest :

Is there any connection between Mast Cell disorders and ANA test results, and is there a connection between elevated levels of Prostaglandin Alpha F2 levels and autoimmune disorders? I would really appreciate your response!
Cole

Dec 3, 2008 6:47 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi Cole,
Mast cells have been implicated in some autoimmune diseases. The allergic response has been known to trigger several different autoimmune diseases. For instance, allergies to cedar pollen are considered the primary trigger of Graves' disease in Japan. Also, levels of IgE correlate well with symptoms.
I haven't seen any studies correlating mast cell disorders with ANA titers although since symptoms worsen with the allergic response and flares are more likely to occur at this time, it's a good possibility.

I'm not familiar with prostglandin alpha F2 levels as they're not typically performed in hospital labs. But I did a search and found that they're related to rheumatic conditions. See ard.bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/ard.60.6.627
You bring up some good questions. Best, Elaine

Jan 15, 2009 9:49 AM

Guest :

I really need some good information on connective tissue dissorder. I feel I have been 'fobbed off' by specialists because I have an anxiety dissorder. My symptoms are swellings on the insides of my knees with my veins showing through. When I go to bed they become more swollen, get hotter and hotter and are bright red. I use calomine lotion to cool my knees before I go to bed. The inside of my nose feels as though its 'moving'!!! and I always have pain in my nose and ears. My fingers are swollen and look like sausages. I have difficulty swallowing. My skin has patterns of my veins, like a flush all over my body. This has developed recently. I am 67 and hoped for a few more years with my children and granddchildren.

Jan 15, 2009 3:32 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
What you're describing sounds more like a vascular disorder than a connective tissue disorder. See the articles on vasculitis. There are several types of vasculitis and you may want to see a vascular specialist. Let us know what you find out and best to you, Elaine

Jan 25, 2009 5:56 PM

Guest :

Hi, I have recently seen a rheumatologist, he has yet to confirm diagnosis, but he has told me I have either a connective tissue disease or a form of Lupus. When I originally went to see him I thought it was only my joints that was the problem, but since reading about the diseases I am thinking it could be more. For a while I have been getting my words and sentences badly mixed up and im also finding that I am getting quite nervous, short of breath and hands are shaky when moving them, do you think it could be related. I am due to see the specialist again soon.

Jan 26, 2009 7:08 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
Many of the connective tissue disorders can cause systemic symptoms, that is, they involve other bodily systems besides the joints. Your rheumatologist should run a battery of tests to help with your diagnosis. Pain itself, can also cause some of the symptoms you mention. Best,Elaine

Feb 5, 2009 2:41 AM

Guest :

Hi
I am a 35 year old female and my doctor has referred me to a rhumatoid specialist because I had high sedmentary deposits and evalated ANA. I have always been a nervous person, with sensitive skin and in the last few years i have had more frequent swelling and pains in the joints to my fingers and elbows. Does this mean I have Arthritis? or some other immune disorder?

Feb 5, 2009 8:23 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
An elevated sed rate occurs when there's inflammation, including inflammatory conditions like arthritis and in infection. There are degrees of elevation. Sometimes the level is slightly elevated for no apparent reason and sometimes the levels are as high as 180, showing considerable inflammation.

The ANA test can also be slightly elevated for no real reason, and it can be very elevated with a specific pattern that fits several different conditions. It's good that you'll be seeing a rheumatologist. He can evaluate your symptoms and correlate them with these results along with a few other tests to help with a diagnosis if you have an autoimmune connective tissue disorder. Best to you, Elaine

Feb 6, 2009 6:59 PM

Guest :

I am a 25 year old woman who has suffered from chronic pain in my wrists since I was 11. To date I have torn my trifibro cartiledge and ruptured two ligaments in my wrists, several of my tendons are frayed or degenerating, and I have recently learned that the ligaments in my feet are degenerating as well. I've been shuffled out of doctor's offices by the dozens with no explanation or research. Could this be some kind of autoimmune disorder attacking my ligaments? Is there some place I could begin looking to try to find an answer?

Many thanks, Brenda

Feb 9, 2009 1:18 PM

Guest :

Thank you, Elaine - you've given me some great information and some ideas to take to my doctor. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

Brenda

Feb 12, 2009 5:38 PM

Guest :

My previous ANA test result was shown as a titer of 1:1250. My present test result came back shown as High at 194. Is this a different way to report the titer count?

Feb 12, 2009 7:26 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
yes these tests were done by different testing methods. Each report should list the normal or reference range and you'll want to compare your levels to the range for that test. each should report should also indicate the type of pattern observed. Have them fax or mail you the lab reports. By law, you have a right to these results. Best, Elaine

Mar 12, 2009 4:47 PM

Guest :

My 17 yr old dd is currently in the hospital. Was hospitalized with an intermittent vomiting problem (happens every 6-8 months and lasts for weeks). Got an infection from a needle stick. Back in hospital for emergency surgery to drain site on top of hand. 2 days later her entire arm to the shoulder is swollen. No real blood numbers that stick out other than it shows inflammation (which we can see by looking at her swollen arm!). MRIs are inconclusive. More and more bleeding and clotting disorders are being sent out as everything so far comes out normal. Could this be some kind of connective tissue disorder? I really feel like the on and off vomiting that she suffers from is connected and my long term pediatrician does too. She will vomit for wks at a time and suffers from horrible nausea and then slowly she gets better. All GI tests/scans/scopes are negative.

All doctors at our current hospital (we have 8 teams working on her and looking in on her) admit she is a 'fascinating' case. Not what you want to hear when it is your daughter.

Thanks!

Mar 12, 2009 6:52 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
I don't usually hear of nausea occurring in a connective tissue disorder except for systemic Sjogren's, which can affect the glands in the stomach mucosa.. It can occur in the autoimmune disease, gluten sensitivity enteropathy, in which patients are intolerant of gluten protein in rye, wheat and barley. Other autoimmune disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract include irritable bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease. Some medications can cause persistent nausea and perhaps your daughter is being treated with something she's intolerant of. An ANA test would be the most helpful test for diagnosing a connective tissue disorder. Best, Elaine

Mar 17, 2009 7:58 AM

Guest :

I am 64. All my life (since 20's) have had problems with muscle pain, joints feeling swollen-tendinitis in elbow,shoulder,achilles tendons,inflamation in breast bone, plantar faciatis, morton's neuroma.
I have had chronic tendenitis in my achilles tendons for over a year.
My family history: aunt with Lupus, cousin died last year from complications of Schlerderma. I was diagonsed with undefined connective tissue disease. Prescribed Plaquinel. However, symptons still persist. Are there other drugs (besides steriods) and treatments that are successful?

Mar 17, 2009 11:48 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
Osteoflex, with boswellia and turmeric, works to reduce inflammation and doesn't have the side effects of prescription drugs. An overall plan to reduce inflammation through dietary and lifestyle changes might also be beneficial. Undifferentiated connective tissue diseases have an underlying autoimmune origin. Anything that helps strengthen and not stimulate the immune system can offer benefits. Low dose naltrexone is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment that helps stop disease progression by modulating the immune system.
The Life Extension Foundation at www.lef.org has a lot of information on dietary supplements and lifestyle changes that help in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is what causes autoimmune conditions to persist. Best, Elaine

Mar 19, 2009 10:00 AM

Guest :

Last year my 15 year old daughter was tested for Lupus and a specialist said she didn't have it. The 1st of Jan. she twisted her knee and started having severe pain. After physical therapy and no relief she was sent to an orthopedic dr. who wants to test her for a connective tissue disorder after reading up on this I am wondering if I should just take her back to the specialist and have her look harder into the Lupus thing.

Mar 19, 2009 10:09 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
often, the ANA test is only positive when there are flares. It would be helpful to get a copy of your daughter's past test results.
If the Orthopedic doctor is willing to order the tests for a connective tissue disorder now while she's having symptoms, that would probably be a good idea. The orthopedic doctor may work with you and if tests suggest a connective tissue disorder you could consult with a rheumatologist then. Best to you and your daughter, Elaine

May 4, 2009 10:32 AM

Guest :

My son is 17. He is 6'2" and very thin, despite the fact that he eats plenty. He has had numerous joint problems since he was in about 4th grade. Shoulder instability, knee problems, neck problems, back problems, hands, etc. We have continually seen orthopedic doctors who tell us that he has "loose joints". He is always in some pain. In addition, he has a history of severe canker sores in his mouth (10-20 at a time lasting weeks). I have an appointment scheduled in 2 weeks to take him to a Rheumatologist. Do you have suggestions or comments??
Thanks,
Shelly

May 4, 2009 11:10 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi Shelly,

A few things come to mind. Since you mention canker sores, you might want to look into gluten sensitivity which can range from a mild sensitivity to overt celiac disease. Read my article on Atypical symptoms in celiac disease,
autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/article.cfm/atypical_celiac_disease_ symptoms

Another connective tissue disorder that comes to mind is the spondyloarthropathies, which tend to target teenage boys.
See
autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_spondyloarthropathies

It's good that you have an appointment with a rheumatologist. There are also conditions of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that he or she can check for. He can also determine if your son's pains are related to bone growth. Best, Elaine

Jun 11, 2009 4:31 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,

I think that your GP ran an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test because there's no specific blood test for lupus.
See autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/article.cfm/anatestpatterns

The ANA can be positive in some types of vasculitis and also in rheumatoid arthritis.

It would be best if you went to a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists specialize in connective tissue disorders. It's important to get a proper diagnosis and also early treatment if it's needed.

Anything you can do to strengthen, not stimulate, your immune system can be helpful, including avoiding chemical preservatives and processed foods and eating more whole and raw foods. Fresh berries and vegetables are good because they help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidants. A Mediterranean-type diet is a good one to follow. Best to you, Elaine

Jun 15, 2009 7:18 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,

Dietary recommendations for lupus are the same as those for other connective tissue disorders. Your primary goal is reducing inflammation. Here's an article I wrote on diet and lifestyle recommendations for lupus that may help you.
rheumatism.suite101.com/article.cfm/diet_and_lifestyle_in_lupus

Best, Elaine

Jul 7, 2009 10:07 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
I haven't seen any mention of a link between neuro-retinitis and connective tissue diseases. Best, Elaine

Jul 27, 2009 11:57 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
Your father's doctor knows best but I wouldn't be surprised if he was kept on corticosteroids for an extended period using a low dose. Best, Elaine

Aug 27, 2009 10:28 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
Some connective tissue (collagen) disorders worsen in pregnancy and some improve. Your doctor will have a better idea if he knows what disorder you have. The ANA titer typically rises during flares and falls during periods or remission. Best, Elaine

Sep 4, 2009 6:54 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
Sorry for the delay. Some connective tissue disorders, like Sjogren's disease, can be more of a problem if there's a systemic involvement.
Connective tissue disorders are shown to run a better course in patients who have adequate vitamin D. Your friend may want to have a vitamin D level, and supplement if needed.
Corticosteroids are often used and they can be rough on the body used long-term at high doses. Perhaps that's what her physician meant. Other supplements like turmeric and boswellia can reduce inflammation without harming the body. And an anti-inflammatory diet can also help. Best, Elaine

Sep 11, 2009 12:42 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi Jackie,
Balance problems can be caused by Sjogren's or any of the systemic connective tissue disorders and the underlying cause can be inflammation. You might want to read Barry Sears's book on Toxic Fat, which describes inflammation and provides suggestions for reducing it. Best, Elaine

Sep 19, 2009 4:47 AM

Guest :

HI everyone.. well I'm living in Japan right now.. so it's really hard to get doctors advice.. but one i saw said i might have connective tissue disorder. The first symptom I noticed are veins showing on my palms more and rashes throughout my body.. are these possible symptoms? please let me know ASAP.. I'm really worried.

Sep 22, 2009 10:20 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
Enlarged veins in your palms don't offhand sound related to connective tissue disease. Usually, joint pain in a predominant symptom. Vasculitis can cause veins to appear enlarged but so can heat and increased blood flow. Rash can have many different causes including allergic reactions, viruses, bacterial infections, etc. Rash can also occur in several different connective tissue disorders such as lupus and it can occur in dermatitis herpetiformis in celiac or thyroid disorders.

If you suspect connective tissue disease, blood tests for ANA can help with confirming or ruling out these conditions. Best, Elaine

Sep 25, 2009 12:28 PM

Guest :

Perhaps you could help me by telling me what test are needed to dertime what exactly my husband has. Bloodwork was done and it showed positive for Lupas but then told from that stran it was futher tested and said he have connective tissue disease. We go back Sept 30th and I would like to know what exactlty to ask for so that we can see what the best course of action will be. Still just very unclear on what my husband has but know it is something not good. He had the same simple surgey (Carprul Tunnel Realease)in August 2x's and it is worse now than before. When the Dr went in he said there was alot of scar tissue but it had only been 3 weeks aince the first procedure. Is that even possible? I look froward to hearing from you soon and thank you for taking the time to want to help others.

Sep 25, 2009 7:29 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
I'm sorry to hear that your husband's not feeling well.
It would help if you asked for copies of all your husband's lab results. By law, he has a right to them and you do as well if he indicates that you can have them (signing the HIPAA form).
It sounds like he had a positive ANA test result but that the ds-DNA antibody test wasn't positive. The ds-DNA antibody test is positive in lupus.
It could be that the ANA is positive, there's evidence of arthritis but not all of the criteria fit for a specific disorder. Read my article on undifferentiated connective tissue disease--it might be in a blog.
A test for RNP antibodies would be helpful and so would a test for HLAB27. Let me know what other labs have been done. Best, elaine

Sep 28, 2009 5:14 PM

Guest :

Am dealing with health isssues with my 16 month old daughter - she has an internal hemangioma on her chest and has been having severe nose bleeds (twice a week) for about 8 months - she is going into Monash Medical Centre tomorrow to have her nose investigated and cauterised as required. When conversing with her pediatric ear nose and throat specialist he indicated that he had concerns that she may be suffering from a collagen disorder as well. Her health has not been right since about 8 weeks there just seems to always be something - most recently she has experienced a bacterial skin infection which has required antibiotics - this same infection has flared up again only a couple of weeks after the last one cleared up! I am feeling overwhelmed with the whole situation and don't know where or what to start researching for my own information - I more want to make sure I ask the right questions to try and make sure she is diagnosed correctly and her health can imporve so that we can all start enjoying life as we should - any advice would be greatly appreciated
Rebecca

Sep 28, 2009 5:33 PM

Guest :

Sep 29, 2009 6:11 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi Rebecca,
I'm sorry to hear that your daughter has been ill.
Collagen disorders is an older term that refers to connective tissue disorders. Some physicians may also use it to refer to autoimmune disorders in general.

Some autoimmune disorders, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), are caused by low platelet counts. Bleeding can be also caused by various clotting system disorders, such as factor VIII deficiency. There are treatments for these conditions if they're diagnosed.

Ask for copies of all lab results and pay attention to any flagged, high or low results. For instance a low platelet count, which would suggest a work-up for ITP should be done. Abnormal coagulation tests, like an abnormal Protime (PT) and/or PTT would indicate a need to test for clotting disorders. I hope this helps.
Best, Elaine

Oct 29, 2009 10:52 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
You need to ask your doctor how long they want you to stay on immunosuppressant. They might let you stop them to see how you do without them. Some of these disorders do resolve. Best, Elaine

Nov 8, 2009 8:28 AM

Guest :

i have been diagnosed with connective tissue disorder..i have alraedy had a diagnosis that said i had calcinosis cutis...causing a redness and scar on my finger tips,i had some of the calcified bone removed this has helped my fingers,i have also had a lump of calcified bone removed from my knee..but now that i have been diagnosed with ctd,i have had painful joints elsewhere....what is the connection between calcinosis cutis and connective tissue disorder..and also what is connective tissue disorder,because from what i have been told or read about it,it would appear to heredity,but no other person in my family has had this problem..

Nov 8, 2009 4:40 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
I've never heard of connective tissue disease being a hereditary disorder. Connective tissue disorders are autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sjogrens, mixed connective tissue disease and others. Autoimmune conditions are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 20% of the population have the genes related to autoimmune disease but less than 5% of people get these disorders. The incidence increases with age. I haven't heard of a relationship between calcinosis and connective tissue disease, but you probably should ask your rheumatologist about this. Best, Elaine

Nov 8, 2009 4:40 PM

Elaine Moore :

Dec 3, 2009 3:33 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
I'm not a doctor. I'm a clinical laboratory scientist and medical writer. You might want to read my articles on human parvovirus B19 since it can cause connective tissue disorders and read about the ANA test. Your doctor will be running more tests to help with your diagnosis. Best, Elaine

Jan 29, 2010 4:46 PM

Elaine Moore :

Dear T,
Tics, which are also seen in Panda syndrome (following strep infection) can occur in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Some of the symptoms in EDS are considered related to nutrient deficiencies. See: http://www.ctds.info/

For more on Panda syndrome, see:
http://www.suite101.com/blog/daisyelaine/autoimmune_psychiatric_disorders
and also my article on dysautonomia.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of neuropathy that doesn't seem to be associated with EDS. However, there's a high association between carpal tunnel and hypothyroidism. There's enough of an association to make thyroid function tests worthwhile, and follow-up testing is needed if the TSH is higher than 2.5 mu/L

I hope this helps. Best, Elaine

Mar 8, 2010 9:37 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
Connective tissue disorders, which were once called collagen disorders, refer to disorders causing joint pain. There are many other conditions, including nutrient deficiencies, that cause twitches and muscle changes. For these, you might want to consult a neurologist. Best, Elaine

Jun 7, 2010 9:52 PM

cmorley :

i have been suffering with pain in my hips, knees, feet, neck, shoulders and lower back since i was 17 right after a car accident. i have had plenty of xrays, physical theropy, ect... and the doctors for many years could not find anything wrong. they said it was artheritis, anxiety, panic disorder and depression. iam now 30yrs old i have a new doc and he said that he thnks that i have a connective tissue disorder in my hips. i have a history of vertigo, wrist pain, ear problems, migraines, heart palpitations. i have a family history of fibromialgia. my hip pains are the worst with pain and a burning feeling radiating down my legs to my knees. iwake up with pain and go to bed with pain, during the day its seems less when iam moving but when i sit i get all stiff.what test should i have done and could i have this conective tissue disorder? and how will this affect my health

Jun 8, 2010 10:10 AM

Elaine Moore :

To see if you have a connective tissue disorder your doctor would first run blood tests for ANA and rheumatoid factor. Depending on these results, more tests might be needed. If you do have a connective tissue disorder, you'd receive medications that help slow your immune system down and reduce inflammation. You'd also learn what things trigger flares and you'd avoid them. Overall, your symptoms would likely be more manageable. Best, Elaine

Jun 23, 2010 12:31 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
The orthopedic specialist can help in telling if your son's symptoms are due to normal bone growth or if something is going on. In the case of connective tissue disorders, any doctor could order an ANA blood test. The ANA is positive in most connective tissue disorders, including juvenile rheumatoid arthrititis. If the ANA was positive, your son would be referred to a rheumatologist. I hope everything turns out fine. best, elaine

Aug 4, 2010 12:33 PM

Elaine Moore :

MW,
Most researchers think that a combination of environmental triggers weakens the immune system and causes it to over-react in these disorders. Some of these triggers include infectious agents, chemicals, vaccines, exposure to allergens and others. One recent study showed that people with low vitamin D levels are more likely to have progressive undifferentiated connective tissue disease. It's important to have a vitamin D level, measuring 25 OH vitamin D, and take supplements, get ample sun exposure, to bring levels to an optimal range. best, elaine

Sep 24, 2010 1:05 PM

Elaine Moore :

your test results from august suggest rheumatoid arthritis. while ANA wasn't positive in July, the CCP and RF suggest rheumatoid arthritis. The ANA and the other antibody tests can be negative when you're in remission or your symptoms are controlled and these same levels can rise when you're having flares. different labs will also have different reference ranges and sometimes the results are reported in different units of measurement. best, elaine

Jan 24, 2011 1:32 AM

Guest :

for about 4 years now I have had joint pains, especially the knees which at times is so severe i cant walk up stairs or jog. physiotherapy helped a bit but it recurred. at times my skin develops red patches after minor trauma. also have issues with headaches on and off. the orthopedic surgeon, physician and dermatologist have not given me a diagnosis yet!

Mar 7, 2011 7:05 PM

Guest :

Before I was idagnosed with mixed connective tissue disorder, I felt just like I was having a repeat attack of Glandular Fever. But after the doctors doing a very exhaustive lot of testing I was diagnosed with MCTD. My joints are often sore and hard to move them first thing in the morning, my hands have periods that they go all tingly and numb and hard to grip things. Also at times I have uncontrollable sweats, no matter if I am feeling hot or cold. I take several different tablets, but it only seems to slow it down.

Mar 29, 2011 8:08 AM

Guest :

sir, for the past few years i was many problems because of connective tissue disorder such as joint pain,abdominal pain,back pain and hypertension. Can you please give some good remedies to overcome my problem.

Jul 13, 2011 3:22 AM

Guest :

I'm currently seeing a rheumatologist who doesn't seem to know what's going on with me. I've had swollen knees and fingers and recently my shoulders have started hurting too. I've had nose ulcer, dry mouth/eye, fatigue, Raynaud's and no appetite and feeling like I'm getting the flu. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 4 years ago, but I've had no problems since going gluten free.

My blood tests haven't shown much (she's run HEAPS). My ANA and Sed Rate were slightly elevated on a few occasions, but since a course of Prednisone everything's gone normal (except my white something?). My joints haven't been as swollen and I've felt a lot better, my GP said the way I responded to Prednisone is a good indicator something is going on.

I know that Sed Rate/CRP are quite dependent on the course of your symptoms, but what about the other tests like ANA and the specific antibodies? Would it be expected for them to be skewed by Prednisone? And can someone have something autoimmune going on, but very few conclusive blood tests?

Thank you =]

Jul 14, 2011 10:39 AM

Elaine Moore :

The lab tests you mentioned aren't stagnant. ANA and CRP/Sed Rate rise when there are flares and they can be negative when symptoms are in control. Prednisone doesn't change the results but if your respond well to it and it slows down your immune system and reduces autoantibody production and inflammation, your results can be negative. Prednisone can also lower your white blood cell count. Get copies of all your labs and see if you had a test for SSa antibodies. Read my articles on this topic and ask for the test if you haven't had it. it can be positive even when ANA is negative in certain disorders such as Sjogren's syndrome, which can cause systemic arthritis and the dryness you mention.

Aug 11, 2011 4:43 PM

Guest :

Impressive. An article and opinion from a lab technician or lab scientist is so different from a doctor or nurse. An investigative mind is the saving grace of so many just holding out in real distress and overlooked or rudely given the boot when basic tests don't show much. There is an answer and sometimes a fairly direct remedy to much that goes astray in people or animals. There is an answer if someone cares about the person enough to dig for it a little or alot. Everyone everywhere is worth it. I was told that the doctor "didn't have time to figure out what was wrong with me and that my labs showed nothing so I should go to UVA or Hopkins as doctors here like to go to dinner at 5pm. I was left on prednisone as if it was Motrin for 3 years without any guidance. I know what lack of information can cause and then to get dumped by everyone medically is daunting and so odd. Thank you for the information and care as everyone everywhere matters. There shouldn't be a hierarchy of wellness.

Jan 21, 2012 11:12 AM

Guest :

i have been diagnosed with connective tissue disease and i was wondering if there is a specific diet that can be recommended for me.

Jan 25, 2012 10:12 AM

Elaine Moore :

Dear Guest,
A diet low in sugar and saturated fats is usually recommended for reducing inflammation. Avoiding processed foods, aspartame, and anything you're allergic or sensitive to and eating more whole natural foods free of additives will help. Look up Anti-Inflammation diets.

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