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Acute effect of topical minoxidil on digital blood flow in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon
S E Whitmore1, F M Wigley, R A Wise
1Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Objective:
Raynaud's phenomenon is a relatively common disorder for which highly effective, well tolerated treatment has yet to be developed. Minoxidil, a potent vasodilator which, on a single application to the scalp causes significant local cutaneous vasodilation, was selected for study in primary Raynaud's phenomenon.
Methods:
Ten subjects were enrolled in a randomized double blind, placebo controlled acute challenge crossover trial. Single applications of topical minoxidil 5% solution and placebo were made to each subject's fingers on 2 separate occasions, and measures of digital skin temperature, systolic blood pressure, and laser Doppler flow were obtained, before and after acute cold challenge.
Results:
Digital skin temperature, systolic blood pressure, and laser Doppler flow both before and after cold challenge were not improved by pretreatment with topical minoxidil 5% solution.
Conclusion:
In individuals with primary Raynaud's phenomenon, a single application of minoxidil 5% solution to the fingers is not effective in improving baseline digital blood flow or cold tolerance.