Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is an uncommon autoimmune disease and involves the signs and symptoms of a combination of disorders- lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. The symptoms tend to appear over several years and include puffy fingers, cold and numb fingers and toes, muscle and joint pain, and rash. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and includes corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs, immunosuppressants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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I am worried about my lab results. Is it an emergency to consult a rheumatologist?
Query: Hello doctor, I am worried about my blood work lab results. My RNP antibodies are at 2.3, speckled pattern 1:80, antinuclear antibodies, IFA is positive. I know I should not be diagnosing myself, but my findings is worrisome. Most of my symptoms match up with what I am seeing. I guess my question i... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Based on the details available, it looks that you have lupus. Possibility of mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is also there. You need furthest tests that include Anti-ds DNA, rheumatoid factor. At this point, you should not get worried unnecessarily. Wait for ... Read Full »
Are joint pain, rashes, and Raynaud's syndrome related to an autoimmune disease?
Query: Hi doctor, For the past few years, I have had unusual symptoms. It started with joint and stomach pain. Then, it was a lot worse times during my monthly cycle. More recently, in the past few years, I have developed an intense reaction to UV exposure. I develop a rash all over my body which used to ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your query and the history provided above. These symptoms like photosensitive rash, joint pains, or Raynaud's individually do not mean anything, but they suggest an individual tendency towards autoimmune conditions if occurring together. Based... Read Full »
What could be the reason for my chest pain and tightness with shortness of breath?
Query: Hello doctor, I have been having chest pain and discomfort for four years now. I feel tightness, sometimes shortness of breath, and slight pain. It hurts the most when I lift something heavy. I have done ANA test, ECG, and blood work. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Normally, RNP (ribonuclear protein) levels below 20 units on ELISA is negative. But if it is more than 26 units suggest positive. It is suggesting multiple connective tissue disorders like myositis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. PM-scl also suggest that sc... Read Full »
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