title: Raynaud's phenomenon.
abstract: Raynaud's phenomenon is a common clinical problem occurring in 3% to 5% of the general population. The first symptom of scleroderma is often Raynaud's phenomenon, which is associated with a diffuse small vessel vasculopathy and ischemia and reperfusion injury to skin and other organs targeted in this disease. Current studies support the concept that Raynaud's phenomenon is secondary to a local defect in the regulation of regional blood flow. New evidence demonstrates that there is a profound sensitivity to alpha 2-adrenoceptors mediated vasoconstriction in scleroderma vessels. Traditional treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon is cold avoidance and the use of vasodilators. Oral prostaglandins have shown promise as therapeutic agents.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Wigley
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Flavahan
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D011453:Prostaglandins