title: Raynaud's phenomenon: prevalence in an Italian population sample.
abstract: To estimate the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in an Italian population aged 18 years and above, a validated questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 3,664 subjects. Sociodemographic data and data regarding the prevalence of RP symptoms were collected. Trained rheumatologists carried out a subsequent standardized clinical examination to confirm diagnosis of RP and to detect associated diseases. The subjects (2,155) completed the questionnaire, with 45 reporting RP [prevalence rate 2.1%, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.8-2.4]. The mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 57.5 (12.7), and 40 (88.8%) were women. Prevalence was found higher in women (3.4%, 95% CI 2.8-4.1) than in men (0.5%, 95% CI 0.2-0.9) (p<0.0001). A connective tissue disease was diagnosed in six (0.28%) subjects, three of the participants (0.14%) were identified as having RP associated to an idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, and 36 (1.67%) were diagnosed as having primary RP. Our study has found a lower prevalence of RP than others have reported. There is thought to be an association with climate and ethnic factors. No relationship was found regarding factors that are thought to be among the most relevant triggering factors for RP, e.g., occupational exposure. Differences with previous studies may be related to the current characteristics of the population surveyed.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Reumatologica, Ospedale "Augusto Murri", via dei Colli, 52, 60035, Jesi, (AN), Italy. rossella.deangelis@asl5.marche.it
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.forename: Fausto
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Salaffi
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grassi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires