 |
|
|||||||||
Aug 31, 2006
Reynaud’s phenomenon
by SirGan|
Important thing to know about Raynaud's phenomenon is that it represents a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Every patient can confirm that this disorder is characterized by episodic attacks, also called the vasospastic attacks, that cause the blood vessels in the digits to constrict significantly. Skin discoloration occurs because an abnormal spasm of the blood vessels causes a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. There is a characteristic three-phase color sequence! Initially, the digits involved turn white because of the diminished blood supply and then they turn blue because of prolonged lack of oxygen. Finally, the blood vessels reopen, causing a local flushing phenomenon, which turns the digits red.
Incidence of the conditionAlthough different researches showed different results- the fact is that the most recent surveys show that Raynaud's phenomenon may affect 5 to 10 percent of the general population in the United States. It is also proven that women are more likely than men to have the disorder and approximately 75 percent of all cases are diagnosed in women who are between 15 and 40 years old.
Raynaud's phenomenon appears to be more common in people who live in colder climate zones but people with the disorder who live in milder climates may have more attacks during periods of colder weather.
Types and possible causes of the phenomenonIt is important to know that there are two different types of Reynaud’s phenomenon- the primary and the secondary type! In medical literature, "primary Raynaud's phenomenon" may also be called Raynaud's disease, idiopathic Raynaud's phenomenon, or primary Raynaud's syndrome.
The most important thing to know about this type is that it is the milder version! Most people who have Raynaud's phenomenon have this- primary form.
Although secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is much less common than the primary form- unfortunately- it is often more serious disorder. The most important thing there is to know about this condition is that it means that patients have some underlying disease or condition that causes Raynaud's phenomenon. Connective tissue diseases are the most common cause of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. The most common associated connecting tissue disorders are:
Possible causes of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, other than connective tissue diseases, are:
Target populationSeveral researches done in the past have showed that people in certain occupations may be more vulnerable to secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Some workers in the plastics industry are greatly in jeopardized! This is because who are exposed to vinyl chloride! Workers who operate vibrating tools can develop a type of Raynaud's phenomenon called vibration-induced white finger. In addition, people whose fingers are subject to repeated stress, such as typing or playing the piano, are more vulnerable to the disorder.
Symptoms of Reynaud’s phenomenonEvery patient should know that symptoms of Reynaud’s phenomenon depend on the severity, frequency, and duration of the blood vessel spasm. This is because the most patients with mild disease only notice skin discoloration after the hands or feet has been exposed to cold but the problem is that -they may also experience mild tingling and numbness of the involved digit that will disappear once the color returns to normal. Only in few percent of the cases- poor oxygen supply to the tissue can cause the tips of the digits to ulcerate. This could be a big problem because ulcerated digits can become infected and if situation with lack of oxygen continues- gangrene of the digits can occur. Patients with secondary Reynaud’s phenomenon can also have symptoms related to their underlying diseases. Other rheumatic diseases frequently associated with RP include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
So, to resume, the most common symptoms are:
Diagnosis of Reynaud’s phenomenonThere is one interesting thing to know about the diagnosis of this condition. Experts are saying that it isn't complicate to diagnose the condition but it is extremely difficult to identify the form of the disorder.
Although not too many people have heard about it- one very useful diagnostic test in helping doctors determine the correct form of Raynaud’s is known as nailfold capillaroscopy. During this test capillaries are studied under strong magnification with special kind of microscope. So, it is proven that, for people with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, the results of this test will be normal, but- the results are abnormal for those who have the secondary form.
Two other tests that the doctor might order to help distinguish between the two forms of Raynaud’s are the antinuclear antibody test (ANA) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Patient should know that this test is being done to tell whether the body is producing special antibodies that commonly occur in people who have connective tissue diseases.
The ESR test measures inflammation in the body and tests how fast red blood cells settle out of unclothed blood. Inflammation in the body will cause an elevated ESR.
Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenonEvery patient should know that the goal of treatment is to reduce the number and severity of attacks and to prevent tissue damage and loss in the fingers and toes. Several non-drug treatments can help decrease the severity of a Raynaud's attack.
MedicinesEvery patient should know that it is much easier to cure people with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon than those with the primary form. It is important to keep in mind that the treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon is not always successful. Many health care professionals believe that the most effective and safest drugs are calcium-channel blockers. What is the most important thing there is to know about these medications? Well, these medications relax smooth muscles and dilate the small blood vessels and also decrease the frequency and severity of attacks in about two-thirds of patients who have primary or secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.
Other medicines that have helped patients with Raynaud’s include:
Several researches done in the past have shown that individuals who first experience Raynaud's phenomenon in their 40s should be tested for an underlying disease.
|
|
|||||
|
Article sources
|
