What is Pediatric Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)?
Pediatric Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a rare disease in children that has symptoms of arthritis along with features of scleroderma, dermatomyositis and lupus (SLE). It is characterized by the presence of specific antibodies to nuclear proteins called ribonucleoproteins, abbreviated RNP. MCTD is a rare type of autoimmune disease. The immune system is a group of cells that functions to protect the body from infections. In autoimmune diseases like MCTD, these cells fight the body’s own tissues and cells, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage.
