SM/RNP

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is an uncommon autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks the cells, considering them a foreign substance. This condition shows signs of several disorders. Cold and numb fingers, swollen hands, and joint pain are some early indicators of this disease.

MCTD symptoms have an association with the following health conditions:

• Scleroderma
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Primary lupus
• Polymyositis

If you suffer from MCTD, there is a presence of SM and RNP antigens in the blood. The Smith (SM) antibodies are specific for SLE. On the other hand, ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are antibodies associated with connective tissue disease.

Your doctor may suggest testing for RNP antibodies and detection of SM antibodies if you have the following MCTD symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle weakness
• Inflammation of joints

The presence of SM antibody is considered a marker and observed in 20% of SLE patients. The testing for RNP antibodies is observed in 45% of SLE patients. Hence, the combination of SM/RNP antibodies is vital for patients who test positive in an antinuclear antibody test. You are at an increased risk of MCTD  if you are a woman under the age of 50. However, mixed connective tissue disease can happen in people of any age group.

It is crucial to undergo antigen detection to control the symptoms of this condition. Delay in testing can prolong the initialisation of treatment, leading to the following complications:

• Pulmonary hypertension
• Heart disease
• Anaemia
• Hearing loss
• Damage to the nerves
• Impact on the digestive tract

If you notice the common symptoms, your doctor can suggest an SM RNP Test. This medical assessment is a simple blood test that analyses ribonucleoprotein and SM antibodies. Generally, there is no need for special preparations, such as fasting, to undergo the SM RNP Test. After testing, your doctor can evaluate the reports and characterise MCTD by high levels of ribonucleoprotein antibodies. However, a positive RNP result is not considered a marker in the blood test.

The treatment for MCTD depends on the following two factors:

• The severity of the condition
• Organs facing the impact

Your doctor can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for MCTD. These medicines can provide symptomatic relief as the cure for this condition is not yet established.

Undergoing a reliable antigen detection test is crucial to controlling the symptoms. Apollo 24|7 offers this assessment at reasonable rates and time.