title: Evaluation of the effect of ambrisentan on digital microvascular flow in patients with systemic sclerosis using laser Doppler perfusion imaging: a 12-week randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), digital ischemia results from an occlusive microvasculopathy that may not respond adequately to conventional vasodilators. Endothelin receptor antagonists can potentially modify the fibroproliferative vascular remodeling in SSc, and hence their use may be justified in the management of digital ischemia. The objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of ambrisentan, a selective endothelin type A receptor antagonist, on microvascular blood flow in patients with limited systemic sclerosis (SSc) using laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI).
  
  
  METHODS
  In this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study we enrolled 20 patients with limited SSc. Fifteen patients received ambrisentan 5 mg daily for one month and then 10 mg daily for two months, and five received a placebo. There were three visits: weeks 0 (baseline), one and 12. Three patient-oriented questionnaires were completed at each visit: Scleroderma-Health Assessment Questionnaire (S-HAQ), Raynaud Condition Score (RCS), and Pain-Visual Analog Scale (P-VAS). At each visit, LDPI was used to obtain three blood flow readings involving regions of interest in second to fifth fingers of the non-dominant hand at room temperature (25°C) and after cooling (10°C) for two minutes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 16 females (80%); mean age was 50 years. None of the differences in blood flow (as measured by LDPI) were significant both at baseline and after cooling. However, patients in the ambrisentan group showed significant improvement in the patient-oriented outcomes: RCS (P=0.001) and S-HAQ score (P=0.005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study did not show evidence of significant increase in digital blood flow over time; however, there was an improvement in RCS and S-HAQ score. We conclude that continuous use of ambrisentan for three months does not seem to significantly improve digital blood flow in SSc patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01072669. Registered 19 February 2010.
authors: Nilanjana
authors: N
authors: Bose
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Bena
authors: Soumya
authors: S
authors: Chatterjee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D055420:Perfusion Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010666:Phenylpropionates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010666:Phenylpropionates; D011724:Pyridazines; C467894:ambrisentan