Symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome in patients with fibromyalgia. A study utilizing the Nielsen test, digital photoplethysmography, and measurements of platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors.
Twenty-nine female patients with fibromyalgia were questioned about symptoms of cold intolerance and Raynaud's syndrome; objective documentation of cold-induced vasospasm was obtained by a Nielsen test. Twelve patients (41%) had abnormal Nielsen test results, and 11 patients (38%) had elevated levels of platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. There was a positive correlation between the percentage of change in finger systolic pressure on cooling (Nielsen test) and the number of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. There was poor correlation between Raynaud's syndrome symptoms and an abnormal Nielsen test result. Digital photoplethysmography showed a normal waveform in 2 of 3 patients. We hypothesize that a subgroup of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome have an up-regulation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors as a cause of their exaggerated reaction to cold.
Bennett
R M
RM
Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
Clark
S R
SR
Campbell
S M
SM
Ingram
S B
SB
Burckhardt
C S
CS
Nelson
D L
DL
Porter
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010991:Plethysmography / Q000379:methods; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000378:metabolism*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D013599:Systole; D015854:Up-Regulation
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha