Raynaud's Flashcards
How many people in the UK are affected by Raynaud’s disease?
10%
What is Raynaud’s disease?
Raynaud’s is a condition in which cold environments cause excessive vasoconstriction in the extremities, resulting in characteristic white hands (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
What is meant by primary and secondary Raynaud’s disease?
Primary (Common) -> No underlying autoimmune condition
Secondary (Rare) -> Underlying autoimmune condition
Who is most commonly affected by primary SLE?
Teenagers
Describe the pathophysiology of Raynaud’s disease in cold weather
Cold weather =>
Excessive vasoconstriction =>
White hands =>
Deoxygenation of blood due to use of oxygen by tissue =>
Blue hands
What happens to the hands when they are moved back into warm weather in Raynaud’s disease?
When the hands are returned to warmth, the blood vessels dilate, causing pain and tingling and possible reddening of the hands
What are some serious complications of (usually secondary) Raynaud’s disease?
Ulceration
Gangrene
What is the main piece of advice given in Raynaud’s disease?
Keep warm!
What are some pharmacological managements used in Raynaud’s disease?
Calcium channel blockers
PDE5 inhibitors (e.g. Sildenafil)
How is digital ulceration in Raynaud’s treated?
Prostaglandin analogues (Iloprost)
Botox injection
Endothelial receptor antagonists (Bosentan)
