kerianne
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Joined: 08 May 2001
Posts: 228
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 Posted: 12/21/05 - 10:30 Post subject: |
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Hi! Reynaud syndrome is a circulatory disorder that affects the hands and feet, caused by insufficient blood supply to these parts and that may result in cyanosis, numbness, pain, and, in extreme cases, gangrene. The extremities start to change color when exposed to cold temperatures or stress. There are, lets say, two forms of reynauld syndrome. One is called Raynaud's disease or Primary Raynaud's and another one is Raynaud's phenomenon or Secondary Raynaud's. The first is diagnosed if the symptoms occur only by itself and is not accompanied by other diseases. The second one occurs secondary to a large group of diseases, mainly connective tissue disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma/systemic sclerosis, arthritis and many others. This form of Raynaud's can progress to necrosis or gangrene of the fingertips. Treatments include prescription medicines that enlarge blood vessels, such as calcium channel blockers (nifedipine). . In severe cases, a sympathectomy can be performed. In this procedure, the nerves that signals the blood vessels of the fingertips to constrict are surgically cut.
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