Abstract:
Introduction. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease
(UCTD) is characterized by symptoms of autoimmune disease that do not meet the criteria for any specific connective tissue disease (CTD). Understanding the progression
and potential outcomes of UCTD is critical for patient management and prevention of progression to a differentiated
autoimmune disease. Material and methods. Data from
longitudinal and retrospective studies on patients with
UCTD followed over several years were used. The studies
assessed clinical symptoms, serological markers (e.g., ANAs,
specific autoantibodies like anti-Ro and anti-La), and genetic predisposition (e.g., HLA typing) to identify factors influencing disease progression or stabilization. Therapeutic
interventions included immunosuppressive agents (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate) and regular clinical monitoring. Results. Approximately 30-40% of UCTD patients
remain in a stable state without progression to a specific
CTD over a follow-up period of 5-10 years. Around 20-30% of patients progress to well-defined autoimmune diseases,
with lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis being the most
common. Progression predictive factors include high titers
of specific autoantibodies, severe initial clinical manifestations (e.g., arthritis, serositis), and certain genetic markers
(HLA-DRB1*03). Early intervention with immunosuppressive therapy was associated with better outcomes, reducing
the likelihood of progression in high-risk patients. Conclusions. UCTD exhibits a variable clinical course. Identifying
patients at high risk for progression through serological and
genetic markers is crucial for targeted management. Early
therapeutic interventions with immunosuppressive agents
and continuous monitoring can significantly improve patient outcomes and prevent disease progression. Future
research should aim to refine risk stratification methods.
