The immune system becomes activated. Thickening of the walls of the blood vessels may occur and also the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, gullet or bowel may become involved. The thickening is caused by an over production of a protein called collagen. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is a blanket term which covers a range of conditions, including Raynaud's, scleroderma, lupus, Sjogren's and rheumatoid arthritis. Scleroderma is difficult to treat, because it varies so much from patient to patient, who may have a wide variety of different problems.
Early diagnosis is essential and can vastly improve the prognosis.
Tests can reveal specific proteins or antibodies in the blood of patients indicating who may develop kidney disease or lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. It is vital that treatment is started as early as possible. There are many drug treatments available including Iloprost infusions, which can successfully treat pulmonary hypertension as well as ulcers and other infections. It is important that scleroderma patients, especially those with significant Raynaud's, try to keep warm. The whole body should be warmed and not just the hands and feet.