Connective tissue diseases

Last updated: Wednesday, 24, November, 2010
Key InformationAppropriate Tests

These disorders are now termed systemic rheumatic diseases.

FBC, blood film; CRP and ESR; antinuclear antibodies, DNA antibodies and extractable nuclear antigen antibodies; complement CH50 or CH100 and complement components C3 and C4; rheumatoid factor.

Rheumatoid arthritis

SLE

Mixed connective tissue disease

Extractable nuclear antigen antibodies - RNP.

Sjogren syndrome

Extractable nuclear antigen antibodies - SSA (Ro), SSB (La).

Scleroderma

Extractable nuclear antigen antibodies - Scl 70.

CREST syndrome

Centromere antibodies.

Dermatomyositis/Polymyositis

Extractable nuclear antigen antibodies - Jo-1. Consider investigation for underlying malignancy.