Ketanserin: an effective treatment regimen for digital ischaemia in systemic sclerosis.
We have studied the therapeutic effects of ketanserin, a specific serotonin antagonist, on digital ischaemia in 11 patients with the CREST syndrome of systemic sclerosis. Ketanserin was administered as a bolus of 10 mg intravenously, followed by an infusion over 72 h and then oral therapy. Skin blood flow as measured by thermography, bolometry, ultrasound Doppler pulses and laser light scattering, showed significant improvement. There was also marked clinical improvement with a reduction in the pain and healing of digital ulceration. These improvements were maintained on oral therapy. In 7 patients detailed studies were performed comparing oral and intravenous ketanserin therapy. When ketanserin was administered as a bolus 10 mg intravenous dose, followed by an infusion at 2 mg/h, steady state was reached by 12 h. Following oral treatment (40 mg tds) therapeutic blood levels were achieved.
Klimiuk
P S
PS
University of Manchester Rheumatic Diseases Centre, England.
Kay
E A
EA
Mitchell
W S
WS
Taylor
L
L
Gush
R
R
Gould
S
S
Jayson
M I
MI
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007511:Ischemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic
C039722:ketanserinol; D007650:Ketanserin