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Raynaud's phenomenon
1Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Raynaud's phenomenon affects 5% of adults. Classifying it as primary or secondary helps understand its causes and guides treatment, with new drugs showing promise.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Raynaud's phenomenon affects approximately 5% of the adult population, often without medical consultation.
- Classification into primary and secondary forms is crucial for understanding pathophysiology and guiding treatment strategies.
- Occupation-related Raynaud's phenomenon is a significant cause of economic loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the classification, pathophysiology, and emerging treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon.
- To highlight diagnostic approaches for differentiating primary and secondary Raynaud's.
- To discuss the prognostic value of specific diagnostic tests.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Raynaud's phenomenon epidemiology, classification, and pathophysiology.
- Discussion of diagnostic tools including nailfold capillary microscopy and autoantibody analysis.
- Overview of current and emerging therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Primary Raynaud's hypotheses include neurogenic and local fault mechanisms.
- Secondary Raynaud's research focuses on obliterative arteriopathy and endothelial factors.
- Nailfold capillary microscopy and autoantibody analysis can predict evolution from primary to secondary Raynaud's, particularly for systemic sclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Accurate classification of Raynaud's phenomenon is essential for patient management.
- Diagnostic markers can identify patients at risk for developing secondary Raynaud's.
- Novel vasodilating and antithrombotic agents offer potential therapeutic benefits for all forms of Raynaud's phenomenon.