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What is the definition of undiffereniated connective tissue disease? How is it treated?

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Posted 3/27/2007 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
In the past, my old rheumie gave me a dx of UCTD. What is it exactly and how is it treated? Thank you and blessings,Cecelia
Posted 3/27/2007 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Well finding info on the internet on UCTD is very difficult, believe me I've tried. There are some information but it doesn't all seem to be consistent.

I have a dx of UCTD and this is what my doc tells me (specific to my situation). I clearly meet more than 4 out of the 11 diagnostic criteria for lupus (I have malar rash, photosensitivity/rashes, arthralgia, mouth/nose ulcers, positive ANA and a few others not on the criteria list such as peripheral neuropathy, muscle pain, fatigue, etc) HOWEVER... I don't have the specific antibodies to lupus (SM and dsDNA) although I do have the anti-Ro antibodies. My doc says that the anti-Ro antibodies can go either way with Lupus or Sjogren's so until my bloodwork becomes more defined one way or the other, he is sticking with UCTD.

He actually believes that I have both Lupus and Sjogren's (I had a positive Schirmer's test at 4mm) but he is VERY conservative when it comes to diagnosing.

I am getting treated for both Lupus and Sjogren's so that is what I am focusing on now. I am so sick of the diagnosis game at the moment so I am just living with the UCTD diagnosis and since I'm being treated I'm in no rush for a specific diagnosis. I do see my rheumy regularly and get my labs regularly.
Posted 3/27/2007 5:08 PM (GMT 0)

UCTD is the diagnostic label they use when you don't fit into any category very neatly.  It's actually quite common.  I meet the diagnostic criteria for RA, and that is my official dx, but I do not have RA (rheumy agrees).  I most likely still have UCTD.  The good news about UCTD is that the research shows that if you still have UCTD after five years (meaning it hasn't evolved into a more defined connective tissues disease like RA, SLE, or Scleroderma), chances are it won't.  I was very fortunate in that I got into see a rheumy early and whatever the heck is wrong with me, I'm being treated for it.  Most of us do not fit into a nice, neat little box.  It always shocks me when I encounter a doctor that expects that we should.

El

Posted 3/27/2007 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have much to add to what Des and El told you. I have an official diagnosis of UCTD, but my rheumy tells me I have lupus but he doesn't want it written on my chart unless I have severe organ involvement (I've had some miled kidney involvement in the past). I also meet more than 4 of the 11 diagnositic lupus criteria. I believe that UCTD is treated very similar to lupus - at least mine is anyway. The rheumy should try to help manage symptoms and keep things under control. I'm like Des and am not worried about the odagnosis game anymore at all since I found a good rheumy who is treating me and I am getting some relief. My old rheumy wouldn't even give a UCTD diagnosis or treat my symptoms. So, I'm just happy to have a rheumy who recognizes what is wrong and wants to help me feel better.
Posted 3/28/2007 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
UCTD is when you have overlapping connective tissue disease that is not clearly defined.  It seems to be a catchall phrase and from what I know it is treated the same as many other AI diseases.

I have MCTD which is lupus, scleroderma and polymyositis.  Not a desireable combination.  If lupus is the disease with a 1000 faces, MCTD is the one with 10000 faces.

UCTD could include a myositis disease, lupus, RA, or others.  Many of the symptoms you list are caused by your disease and are secondary to it.  Raynauds is a good example.  Kidney and liver involvement are often involved....I have all those and more. 

Prednisone is the normal med but usually imuran or methotrexate are also given.  The goal is to wean off of pred and let the other med do the job.  There are several other common immuno suppressants that are used for some patients.

Bill

Posted 3/28/2007 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
I am classified with UCTD, But getting treatment like lupus. I have been told by my doctor that UCTD is like pre lupus. That way I get tested every other month to make sure nothing changings. Now, when I talk to people, like my co-workers it just easyer to say I have lupus. No one understands UCTD.
Posted 3/28/2007 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, thank you for the good info. I had been given the UCTD before and I didn't understand it. He doubted my SLE dx too. My new rheumie confirmed my SLE from years of history/tests etc. and also confirmed my r.a., raynauld's, sjogren's and sub-cutaneous lupus and gave me a new dx of fibro. I'm with the rest of you in that all I want is a doctor who understands me and wants me feel better. I don't know if anyone else feels this way but I've become very weary of docs, tests, meds, especially PT., speciality docs and all of the time it takes to go to appts. I'm hoping that some of this will slow down with my new rheumie. It's good to know that my lupus has been inactive, but the sad news is I was told that I was most likely active during my pregnancies. I can't help but wonder how that effected my children. My youngest has autism. I know that there are studies being done on autoimmune diseases, lupus mothers and their autistic children. I'll have to look into that. I think they are working on that where I go now. Right now I'm trying not to guilt trip myself. But that's a hard one. Hugs and blessings, Cecelia you are all in my prayers
Posted 3/28/2007 2:31 PM (GMT 0)

Cecelia,

   ((Hugs)) It sounds like this new rheumy will try to help you get on the right treatment plan to help you feel better.

   I think most of us can relate to how our diseases could effect our children. You have a very special son and I'm sure it is hard not to feel guilty, but of course its not your fault. We never know what God has in store for us, but I'm sure he knew you would you would be a wonderful, loving, caring mother and blessed your family in a special way.

   Hang in there and take care. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

                                                     Love and hugs, Babs

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