Connective tissue diseases. Goals and strategies of management

Connective tissue diseases are a source of frustration for both patients and their families. Short-term treatment is aimed at the presenting syndrome, and a specific diagnosis is not needed. Long-term treatment attempts to provide an acceptable quality of life while avoiding complications and disability. Drug therapy includes nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents. Joint-protection measures and physical therapy help prevent specific complications. Exacerbations of disease can be traced to several common aggravating factors. Because of the nature of connective tissue diseases, psychosocial problems among patients and their families are common. Physicians who anticipate these problems can help patients learn to cope with a chronic, painful condition.