Ketanserin in the treatment of systemic sclerosis: a double-blind controlled trial.
In a randomized, double-blind study, the selective and specific S2-serotonergic receptor antagonist, ketanserin was compared with placebo in 24 patients with systemic sclerosis. Following a 6-week placebo washout period, patients were randomly allocated to receive ketanserin or placebo for 6 months. Ketanserin failed to produce a greater improvement than placebo in functional and objective clinical signs and symptoms as well as in most subjective assessments. However, in a global rating by the physician ketanserin was superior to placebo. No difference in the frequency or severity of side-effects was found. The results cast doubt on the hypothesis that serotonin may be a major contributing factor in the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis.
Ortonne
J P
JP
Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Pasteur, Paris, France.
Torzuoli
C
C
Dujardin
P
P
Fraitag
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007650:Ketanserin