From the Research
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) typically presents with symptoms such as arthritis, arthralgias, Raynaud's phenomenon, and leukopenia, with neurological and kidney involvement being virtually absent, as reported in the most recent study 1. The symptoms of UCTD can vary widely among patients, but common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Muscle pain
- Low-grade fever
- Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white or blue in cold temperatures)
- Skin manifestations such as rashes, photosensitivity (sun sensitivity), or hair loss
- Dry eyes and dry mouth (sicca symptoms) Some individuals may develop mild pleurisy (chest pain when breathing), mild pericarditis (inflammation around the heart), or mild kidney abnormalities. According to the study 1, approximately 28% of patients with UCTD will develop a defined connective tissue disease, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus, within 5-6 years of diagnosis. It's worth noting that the severity of symptoms varies widely among patients, with some experiencing mild intermittent symptoms while others have more persistent problems that impact daily functioning, as mentioned in the study 2. The study 1 also highlights that UCTD is a mild autoimmune condition with generally good outcomes, and that consistent classification criteria are needed to advance UCTD research and eventually provide authoritative guidance on the management of the condition.