All::Rheumatology::Diseases::Raynaud's phenomenon
Intro
What is Raynaud's phenomenon, and what triggers it?
Exaggerated blood vessel response to cold or stress.
Who typically gets Raynaud's disease?
Young women around 30 years old with bilateral symptoms.
Name some secondary causes of Raynaud's phenomenon.
Scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, leukaemia, cryoglobulinaemia, vibrating tools, certain drugs, cervical rib.
What factors suggest underlying connective tissue disease in Raynaud's phenomenon?
Onset after 40, unilateral symptoms, rashes, autoantibodies, features like arthritis or SLE, digital ulcers, calcinosis, rarely chilblains.
How is Raynaud's phenomenon managed, and what's the first-line treatment?
Refer to secondary care. First-line: calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine). In severe cases, IV prostacyclin (epoprostenol) infusions.