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Prospective capillaroscopy-based study on transition from primary to secondary Raynaud's phenomenon: preliminary
E Bernero1, A Sulli, G Ferrari
1Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa. elenabernero@gmail.com.
Reumatismo
|November 7, 2013
Summary
Approximately 16% of patients with primary Raynaud
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a vascular disorder characterized by exaggerated vasoconstriction.
- Distinguishing primary RP (PRP) from secondary RP (SRP) is crucial for prognosis and management.
- Early identification of SRP risk factors can improve patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transition rate from primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) to secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (SRP).
- To identify predictors of this transition using nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC).
- To establish monitoring guidelines for high-risk PRP patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 2065 patients with isolated RP.
- Clinical interviews, laboratory tests, and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) were performed.
- Patients with initially negative NVC were followed for a mean of 5 years.
Main Results:
- 16% (68/412) of PRP patients with initially negative NVC transitioned to SRP.
- Transition occurred at a mean of 4.4 years.
- Enlarged capillaries and reduced capillary density on initial NVC predicted progression to SRP.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of PRP patients with negative NVC may develop SRP.
- NVC findings like enlarged capillaries and reduced density are key indicators for monitoring.
- Annual monitoring of PRP patients with nonspecific NVC alterations is recommended.
