Effects of peripheral cold exposure on microvascular dynamics in systemic sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the influence of cold exposure on microvascular permeability in systemic sclerosis (SSc).


METHODS
Thirteen patients with SSc were studied by dynamic fluorescence videomicroscopy under basal conditions and after exposure to cold.


RESULTS
Exposure to cold caused a significant reduction in the interstitial concentration of sodium fluorescein (P < 0.05 to 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that cold exposure has a striking effect on microvascular dynamics in SSc.
Grassi
W
W
Department of Rheumatology, University of Ancona, Italy.
Core
P
P
Carlino
G
G
Cervini
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002199:Capillary Permeability; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000503:physiopathology; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008875:Middle Aged; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000503:physiopathology*