Acute effects of misoprostol on digital circulation in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the orally absorbable prostaglandin E1 analog misoprostol might be a suitable treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon (RP).


METHODS
We tested the acute effect of a single 400 micrograms oral dose of misoprostol on digital hemodynamics. Eight patients with RP and 6 healthy volunteers were evaluated in a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study. Hemodynamic outcome measures included fingertip skin temperature, finger systolic pressure, laser Doppler digital blood flow, and the skin temperature reactivity and rewarming response to a -5 degrees C cold challenge.


RESULTS
We found no significant effects of misoprostol on digital circulation in either patients with Raynaud's or healthy subjects in any of the outcome measures.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that misoprostol has no significant acute vasodilating properties in the digital circulation, and therefore it is not likely to be an effective adjunct to the treatment of RP.
Wise
R A
RA
Department of Medicine (Rheumatology and Pulmonary), Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions at Francis Scott Key Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.
Wigley
F
F
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012016:Reference Values; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014034:Toes / Q000098:blood supply*
D016595:Misoprostol