Depending on which CTD is present, and how active it is, a wide variety of symptoms may occur. These include fevers, muscle joint pain and stiffness, weakness, and many other symptoms. [thermofisher.com]

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which is crucial for patients with CTDs, is reduced across all CTDs when compared to healthy subjects.3 Disease management and treatment is tailored to the specific CTD and can vary, based on disease, severity, [thermofisher.com]

Epidemiology of Connective Tissue Disease. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2006;4 (Suppl 3):iii3-4. Shoenfeld Y, Meroni PL. The General Practice Guide to Autoimmune Diseases. Lengerich: Pabst Science Publishers; 2012. Fischer-Betz R, Schneider M. [thermofisher.com]

Prompt diagnosis and referral to specialist care is essential to prevent avoidable organ damage and death. CTDs are generally rare diseases, although prevalence differs extensively. [thermofisher.com]