Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease

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Practice Essentials

Mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD) was first recognized by Sharp and colleagues (1972) in a group of patients with overlapping clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, and myositis, with the presence of a distinctive antibody against what now is known to be U1-ribonucleoprotein (RNP).[1, 2]

MCTD has since been more completely characterized and is now recognized to consist of the following core clinical and laboratory features[3, 4] :

Nevertheless, whether MCTD is a distinct disease entity has been in question since shortly after its original description. A minority of authors continue to suggest that MCTD represents subgroups or early stages of disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or systemic sclerosis, or an overlap syndrome.[6] Ciang and colleagues propose that MCTD would more accurately be termed undifferentiated autoimmune rheumatic disease.[7]

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiologic abnormalities that are believed to play a role in MCTD include the following:

In a study of a nationwide MCTD cohort in Norway, Flåm and colleagues found that HLA-B*08 and DRB1*04:01 were risk alleles for MCTD, while DRB1*04:04, DRB1*13:01 and DRB1*13:02 were protective. Risk alleles for SLE, systemic sclerosis, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis were distinct from those for MCTD.[9]

Over time, some patients with MCTD also develop anti-Sm autoantibodies—an expansion of the autoimmune response known as epitope spreading. Escolà-Vergé reported that epitope spreading occurred in 13 (43%) of 40 patients with MCTD, mainly during the first 2 years after diagnosis.Compared with patients who did not have epitope spreading, patients Patients with epitope spreading had  significantly lower prevalence of skin sclerosis (0% vs. 44%, P = 0.004) and a higher prevalence of interstitial lung disease (46% vs. 15%, P = 0.05).[10]

Etiology

The fundamental cause of MCTD remains unknown. Autoimmunity to components of the U1-70 kd snRNP is a hallmark of disease. Anti-RNP antibodies can precede overt clinical manifestations of MCTD, but overt disease generally develops within 1 year of anti-RNP antibody induction.

The loss of T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte tolerance, due to cryptic self-antigens, abnormalities of apoptosis, or molecular mimicry by infectious agents, and driven by U1-RNA-induced innate immune responses, are proposed current theories of pathogenesis.

Epidemiology

United States

A population-based study from Olmsted County, Minnesota found that MCTD occurred in about 2 persons per 100,000 per year. Diagnosis was frequently delayed, with a median of 3.6 years elapsing from first symptom to fulfillment of diagnostic criteria.[11] A study in American Indian and Alaska Native adults found a  prevalence of 6.4 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval 2.8-12.8).[12]

International

In an epidemiological survey in Japan, MCTD has a reported prevalence of 2.7 cases per 100,000 population.[13] A population-based study in Norway found the point prevalence rate to be 3.8 cases per 100,000 adult population, with a female-to-male ratio of 3.3, and an annual incidence rate of  2.1 per million.[14]  

Mortality/Morbidity

Long-term outcome studies have established pulmonary hypertension as the most common disease-related cause of death.[15] Immunoglobulin G (IgG) anticardiolipin antibodies are a marker for development of pulmonary hypertension. Infections are also a major cause of death.

Cardiac disease, most often pericarditis, is also common in MCTD patients, with prevalence estimates ranging from 13% to 65%. Other cardiac abnormalities include conduction abnormalities, pericardial effusion, mitral valve prolapse, diastolic dysfunction, and accelerated atherosclerosis. In three prospective studies with 13-15 years of follow-up, MCTD patients had an overall mortality rate of 10.4%, and 20% of these deaths were directly attributable to cardiac causes.[16]

Race-, Sex-, and Age-related Variances

MCTD has been reported in all races. The clinical manifestations of MCTD are similar among various ethnic groups; however, one study observed ethnic differences in the frequency of end-organ involvement.[17]

MCTD is far more common in females than in males. Estimates of the female-to-male ratio vary from approximately 3:1 to 16:1.[14, 13]

The onset of MCTD is typically at 15-25 years of age, but can occur at any age.

Prognosis

Most patients with MCTD have a favorable outcome. Cases of MCTD with typical clinical or serologic features occasionally evolve into scleroderma, SLE, or another rheumatic disease.

Pulmonary hypertension is the most common disease-associated cause of death. Careful monitoring and aggressive treatment may improve the outcome of pulmonary hypertension. 

A long-term observational nationwide cohort study from Norway found that interstitial lung disease (ILD) was present in 41% of MCTD patients and progressed in 19% of patients across the observation period of a mean of 6.4 years.[18] The following were the strongest predictors of ILD progression:

 

History

Manifestations of mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD) can be protean. Most patients experience Raynaud phenomenon, arthralgia/arthritis, swollen hands, sclerodactyly or acrosclerosis, and mild myositis. The following may be revealed by history or physical examination:



View Image

Raynaud phenomenon is a common feature of mixed connective tissue disease.

The experience with a large single-center cohort of MCTD patients suggests that the following three clinical subclusters of MCTD manifestations may exist[19] :

Physical

Physical examination is helpful in confirming or identifying features of MCTD. Seek the following features on examination:

Protein-losing gastroenteropathy is a rare feature of MCTD, but may be the initial manifestation of the disorder. Patients present with generalized edema, ascites, and pleural and pericardial effusions due to to hypoproteinemia from leakage of serum protein into the gastrointestinal tract.[21]

Laboratory Studies

Laboratory studies used in the workup for mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD) are as follows:

Antibody study results

High-titer speckled pattern fluorescent antinuclear antibody (FANA) is typical of MCTD. However, the presence of FANA is not specific to MCTD.

Anti-RNP antibodies are required for diagnosis of MCTD. Titers are typically high. The presence of anti–U1-70 kd is characteristic of MCTD.

MCTD can enter sustained remission later in the clinical course. Anti-RNP autoantibodies typically become undetectable in patients in remission.

Other immune studies

Further results are as follows:

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies used in the workup of patients with MCTD include the following:



View Image

Chest radiograph in a patient with pulmonary hypertension reveals enlarged pulmonary arteries.

Other Tests

See the list below:

Procedures

Right-sided heart catheterization is the criterion standard for diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.

Approach Considerations

The overall goal of therapy in mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD) is to control symptoms and to maintain function. Target medical therapy to specific organ involvement and extent of disease activity (see Medication). Monitoring for development of complications, such as pulmonary hypertension or infection, is important (see Follow-up).

Consultations

Whenever possible, a rheumatologist experienced in diagnosis and treatment of the disease should co-manage all patients with mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD). Consultation with other specialists or subspecialists may be indicated for the evaluation and/or treatment of specific aspects of disease, such as pulmonary hypertension.

Diet and Activity

Patients with hypertension, esophageal reflux, malabsorption, or other sclerodermatous-type bowel involvement may need special consideration.

Because atherosclerotic heart disease remains a major risk in all patients, advocate a heart-healthy diet. However, no specific dietary manipulations have been demonstrated to be effective in treating MCTD.

Convincing data support the value of an active lifestyle and an exercise program tailored to the needs of patients with arthritis of various types. This approach also appears to be appropriate in MCTD.

Medication Summary

Arthritis/arthralgia can often be controlled with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hydroxychloroquine. Low-dose oral corticosteroids or low-dose methotrexate is reserved for more refractory synovitis. Proton pump inhibitors can control esophageal reflux symptoms. In patients with Raynaud phenomenon, calcium channel blocking agents are used. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, or prostaglandins can be used for pulmonary hypertension.

Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aleve, Anaprox)

Clinical Context:  Used to treat musculoskeletal manifestation of MCTD, including arthralgia and arthritis. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing enzyme COX activity, which results in prostaglandin synthesis.

Class Summary

These agents reduce pain and inflammation and allow for improvement in mobility and function. Mild mixed connective-tissue disease (MCTD) may be controlled with NSAIDs. Arthritis/arthralgia can often be controlled with NSAIDs and hydroxychloroquine. Low-dose oral corticosteroids or low-dose methotrexate is reserved for more refractory synovitis.

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Clinical Context:  Used to treat musculoskeletal manifestations of MCTD, including arthralgia and arthritis. Inhibits primarily COX-2, which is considered an inducible isoenzyme (ie, induced during pain and inflammatory stimuli).

Inhibition of COX-1 may contribute to NSAID GI toxicity. At therapeutic concentrations, COX-1 isoenzyme is not inhibited; thus, GI toxicity may be decreased. Seek lowest dose of celecoxib for each patient.

Class Summary

Although increased cost can be a negative factor, COX-2 inhibitors may be more effective in reducing the incidence of costly and potentially fatal GI bleeding than traditional NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors and many traditional NSAIDs may increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular endpoints.

Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Clinical Context:  Inhibits gastric acid secretion by inhibition of the H+/K+ -ATPase enzyme system in gastric parietal cells. May be effective to treat reflux symptoms in MCTD.

Class Summary

Esophageal reflux symptoms can be controlled effectively with these agents.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Clinical Context:  Inhibits chemotaxis of eosinophils, locomotion of neutrophils, and impairs complement-dependent antigen-antibody reactions.

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200 mg is equivalent to 155 mg hydroxychloroquine base and 250 mg chloroquine phosphate.

Class Summary

Mild MCTD can often be controlled with hydroxychloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine may also help prevent disease flares.

Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Meticorten)

Clinical Context:  Used for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

May decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity.

Class Summary

These agents are reserved for more active or severe disease. They are used in moderate-to-high doses for major organ involvement. They are often used in combination with other drugs.

Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia XL)

Clinical Context:  Used to treat Raynaud phenomenon in MCTD. Causes vasodilation in extremities.

Class Summary

Avoiding exposure to cold temperatures and using long-acting calcium channel blocking agents may control Raynaud phenomenon. Calcium channel blocking agents are used for vasodilation and possible antiplatelet effects.

Sildenafil

Clinical Context:  Promotes selective smooth-muscle relaxation in lung vasculature, possibly by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5). This reduces blood pressure in pulmonary arteries and increase in cardiac output.

Class Summary

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors can ameliorate symptoms of pulmonary hypertension and Raynaud phenomenon in patients with MCTD. These agents may not be as durable as other drug classes in improving pulmonary hypertension, but the adverse-effect profile of phosphodiesterase inhibitors is often more favorable than prostaglandin or anti-endothelin therapies.

Ambrisentan

Clinical Context:  Endothelin receptor antagonist indicated for pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with WHO class II or III symptoms. Improves exercise ability and decreases progression of clinical symptoms. Inhibits vessel constriction and elevation of blood pressure by competitively binding to endothelin-1 receptors ETA and ETB in endothelium and vascular smooth muscle. This leads to significant increase in cardiac index associated with significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and mean right atrial pressure. Because of the risks of hepatic injury and teratogenic potential, only available through the Letairis Education and Access Program (LEAP). Prescribers and pharmacies must register with LEAP in order to prescribe and dispense. For more information, see http://www.letairis.com or call (866) 664-LEAP (5327).

Class Summary

These agents may be helpful for managing pulmonary hypertension in patients with MCTD. The risk of liver toxicity with endothelin receptor antagonists dictates that these drugs must be prescribed by experts.

Epoprostenol (Flolan)

Clinical Context:  Strong vasodilator of all vascular beds. May decrease thrombogenesis and platelet clumping in the lungs by inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Class Summary

These agents may be useful for managing pulmonary hypertension in patients with MCTD, although dose titration and administration should be managed by an expert in this drug.

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

Clinical Context:  Chemically related to nitrogen mustards. As an alkylating agent, the mechanism of action of the active metabolites may involve cross-linking of DNA, which may interfere with growth of normal and neoplastic cells.

Administered as monthly IV infusion or, less commonly, as daily PO medication for severe MCTD.

Class Summary

Major organ involvement may require moderate-to-high divided daily doses of corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents (eg, PO or pulse IV cyclophosphamide). Recent reports suggest that, in contrast to primary or scleroderma-associated pulmonary hypertension, a subset of MCTD patients with pulmonary hypertension may respond well to aggressive immunosuppression with cytotoxic agents.

Further Outpatient Care

Patients with stable disease and no recent changes in medications should be seen approximately every 2-4 months and undergo routine laboratory evaluation, including a complete blood cell count and chemistry studies. Patients with active disease are typically seen approximately every 3-6 weeks, depending on the severity of disease.

Recommendations for screening and early detection of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) associated with connective tissue diseases, including MCTD, have been published.[26] Although these guidelines do not recommend screening of asymptomatic patients with MCTD who lack features of scleroderma, the following studies are recommended for symptomatic patients:

Use of 6-minute walk stress echocardiography has also been proposed as a means of predicting the development of PAH in patients with connective tissue disorders.[27]

Abnormalities on noninvasive tests require confirmation with right heart catheterization, which remains the gold standard for diagnosis of PAH.

Further Inpatient Care

See the list below:

Patient Education

See the list below:

What is mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the pathophysiology of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What causes mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the US prevalence of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the global prevalence of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the morbidity and mortality associated with mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What are the racial predilections of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What are the sexual predilections of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?Which age groups have the highest prevalence of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the prognosis of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?Which clinical history findings are characteristic of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?Which physical findings are characteristic of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What are the diagnostic criteria for mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What are the differential diagnoses for Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?What is the role of lab tests in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the role of antibody studies in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?Which immune studies are performed in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the role of cardiac tests in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the role of CFS analysis in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the role of a six-minute walk test in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the role of pulmonary function testing in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?How is hypertension assessed in the workup of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?How is mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD) treated?Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?Which activity modifications are used in the treatment of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is the role of medications in the treatment of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?Which medications in the drug class Cytotoxic agents are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Prostaglandins are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Endothelin Receptor Antagonist are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Phosphodiesterase (type 5) Enzyme Inhibitor are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Calcium channel blocking agents are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Antimalarial agents are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Proton pump inhibitors are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in the treatment of Mixed Connective-Tissue Disease?What is included in the long-term monitoring of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?When is inpatient care indicated for the treatment of mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?What is included in patient education about mixed connective-tissue disorder (MCTD)?

Author

Eric L Greidinger, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Disclosure: Received research grant from: Reatta Pharmacueticals.

Specialty Editors

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Elliot Goldberg, MD, Dean of the Western Pennsylvania Clinical Campus, Professor, Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Herbert S Diamond, MD, Visiting Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center; Chairman Emeritus, Department of Internal Medicine, Western Pennsylvania Hospital

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Bryan L Martin, DO, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, Designated Institutional Official, Associate Medical Director, Director, Allergy Immunology Program, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Robert W Hoffman, DO, FACP, FACR Chief, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Professor, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine

Robert W Hoffman, DO, FACP, FACR is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Physicians, American College of Rheumatology, and Clinical Immunology Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Raynaud phenomenon is a common feature of mixed connective tissue disease.

Chest radiograph in a patient with pulmonary hypertension reveals enlarged pulmonary arteries.

Raynaud phenomenon is a common feature of mixed connective tissue disease.

Chest radiograph in a patient with pulmonary hypertension reveals enlarged pulmonary arteries.