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Ketanserin and capillary flow in Raynaud's phenomenon
J E Tooke1, S A Williams, D W Rawlinson
1Department of Physiology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, U.K.
International Journal of Microcirculation, Clinical and Experimental
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Ketanserin improved Raynaud
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Vascular Biology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition affecting blood circulation.
- Serotonin (S2) antagonist ketanserin is a potential treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ketanserin's efficacy in treating Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Assess effects on capillary flow and symptom scores.
Main Methods:
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
- 30 patients with Raynaud's.
- 8-week oral ketanserin therapy (40 mg tds for 6 weeks).
- Measured finger nailfold capillary flow and symptom scores.
Main Results:
- Ketanserin group showed a 16.7% symptom score improvement (p<0.05).
- Placebo group had 2.4% improvement (NS).
- Significant increase in resting capillary flow in ketanserin group (p<0.02).
- No improvement in capillary flow after cold challenge.
Conclusions:
- Ketanserin improved subjective symptoms and resting capillary flow.
- Observed benefits may stem from a central mechanism, not local vascular correction.