[Evaluation of Panergon therapy in Raynaud syndrome within the scope of progressive scleroderma]

In 15 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis with Raynaud's phenomenon Papaverin hydrochloride retard (Panergon) therapy was used. The average age of 14 females and 1 male was 42 years (26-55). Panergon therapy lasted for 4 weeks, the daily dose being 450 mg. For the evaluation of the treatment, 3 instrumental methods were used: IR radiometry for measuring thermal changes in the hands, capillaroscopy of nailfold, and Doppler-ultrasonic examination for measuring the circulation in finger arteries. An increased temperature, particularly in the fingertips, was found by radiometric examination in 6 patients. We also observed the acceleration of capillary flow speed in 7 patients. The pulse wave in finger arteries was markedly increased in 5 patients. From the subjective point of view the Panergon therapy was judged to be successful in 12 patients. It was not necessary to interrupt the treatment because of unfavourable effects in any case. Panergon therapy seems to be an important step in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon in progressive systemic sclerosis.