January 10, 2005

Treatments for MCTD

The treatments for Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder are similar to those used for other autoimmune diseases. There are few studies of the effectiveness of most of the medications since this is such a rare disease. There are medications to control symptoms, as well as anti-inflammatory, immune suppressing, immune modifying, which are used to try and change the course of the illness.

Many medications are used to control the various symptoms. Patients often need to take a combination of medications to eliminate pain and reduce symptoms. These can include aspirin, Tylenol anti-acids, medications for diarrhea, reflux. Heart medications sometimes help control the Raynaud's symptoms (cold extremities). There are ACE inhibitors which can protect the kidney from damage.

Medications for MCTD may also include other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressants. Anti-inflammatories Steroids, d-penicillimine, and methotrexate are used to reduce inflammation that seems to lead to fibrosis. But, they depress the immune system and there are great risks from the long-term side effects. Since the immune system is suppressed, infection and cancer is a concern. As newer and better drugs are proven effective, these drugs will not be used in the future.

Other treatments used with people with serious symptoms are the cancer and organ transplant medications. These medications also depress the immune system. Presently Cytoxin a cancer fighting drug is being tested in many sites around the nation. Even stem-cell transplant, which is a very high-risk treatment because it wipes out the immune system totally, has been used with some success in the few patients who have undergone that treatment.

Posted by Lisa on January 10, 2005 4:31 PM