[Diffuse connective tissue diseases (DCTD)--a review]

The diffuse connective tissue diseases constitute a group of inflammatory diseases with the potential of involvement of many organ systems. The etiopathogenesis is thought to be multifactorial, involving the interaction between particular genetic background and exogenous agents. Recently theories regarding inherited defects in the clearing of immune complexes have been put forward. Serological markers are important diagnostic tools in many of these diseases and emphasize the role of autoimmunity. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increase in incidence in some of these diseases and because of selection bias many epidemiological studies may overestimate the severity of these diseases. Therapy aims at modulating and suppressing inflammation. A step towards more directed immune modulation is the use of cyclosporin A and monoclonal antibodies against various surface antigens and mediators in inflammation.