Raynaud's Disease Research Paper
Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a vasospastic condition generally characterized by spasm of the arterioles in an individual’s extremities; fingers, hands, feet and toes (Frazier: 490) (Merck: 1790). Additionally, the nose, tongue and even the earlobes can be affected (Merck: 1790)
(Cooke: 293). If the condition is deemed primary, it is known as Raynaud’s disease, or primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, and is inherently idiopathic (Merck: 1790) (Cooke: 294). On the other hand, if the condition is secondary to another disease, it is termed Raynaud’s phenomenon (Frazier: 490). Raynaud’s phenomenon is secondary to other diseases, such as underlying autoimmune, inflammatory, hematopoietic diseases or connective tissue disorders including …show more content…
Mainly, Cooke and Marshall commented that ovarian steroid hormones, such as estrogen, may influence sympathetic nerve activation, having a reduced blood flow effect in pre-menopausal women (Cooke: 303). Specifically, they state that estrogen may have a “tonic effect on sympathetic nerve traffic, a direct effect on adrenergic signaling, and/or amplification of adrenergic response by vasoconstrictor prostanoids.” (Cooke: 303). Thus, estrogen-influenced reduction of sympathetic nerve stimulation (in turn blood flow to the digits) may be a factor contributing to the higher occurrence in Raynaud’s disease in …show more content…
Essentials… mention the use of drugs that dilate vessels and increase blood flow, such as vasodilators, alpha-adrenergic blockers and calcium channel blockers (Frazier: 491). Merck… similarly focuses on vasodilators (Pentoxifylline – 400mg bid or tid with meals), alpha-blockers (Prazosin (1-2mg po bid at bedtime) and Ca blockers (nifedipine – 10-30mg po tid)). Additionally, Merck… talks about the use of prostaglandins and sympathectomy as possible treatments for Raynaud’s disease (Merck: 1791). Merck… notes that vasoconstriction-causing agents such as beta-blockers, clonidine, and ergot are contraindicated and may induce or worsen symptoms (Merck:
Raynaud’s disease is a vasospastic condition generally characterized by spasm of the arterioles in an individual’s extremities; fingers, hands, feet and toes (Frazier: 490) (Merck: 1790). Additionally, the nose, tongue and even the earlobes can be affected (Merck: 1790)
(Cooke: 293). If the condition is deemed primary, it is known as Raynaud’s disease, or primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, and is inherently idiopathic (Merck: 1790) (Cooke: 294). On the other hand, if the condition is secondary to another disease, it is termed Raynaud’s phenomenon (Frazier: 490). Raynaud’s phenomenon is secondary to other diseases, such as underlying autoimmune, inflammatory, hematopoietic diseases or connective tissue disorders including …show more content…
Mainly, Cooke and Marshall commented that ovarian steroid hormones, such as estrogen, may influence sympathetic nerve activation, having a reduced blood flow effect in pre-menopausal women (Cooke: 303). Specifically, they state that estrogen may have a “tonic effect on sympathetic nerve traffic, a direct effect on adrenergic signaling, and/or amplification of adrenergic response by vasoconstrictor prostanoids.” (Cooke: 303). Thus, estrogen-influenced reduction of sympathetic nerve stimulation (in turn blood flow to the digits) may be a factor contributing to the higher occurrence in Raynaud’s disease in …show more content…
Essentials… mention the use of drugs that dilate vessels and increase blood flow, such as vasodilators, alpha-adrenergic blockers and calcium channel blockers (Frazier: 491). Merck… similarly focuses on vasodilators (Pentoxifylline – 400mg bid or tid with meals), alpha-blockers (Prazosin (1-2mg po bid at bedtime) and Ca blockers (nifedipine – 10-30mg po tid)). Additionally, Merck… talks about the use of prostaglandins and sympathectomy as possible treatments for Raynaud’s disease (Merck: 1791). Merck… notes that vasoconstriction-causing agents such as beta-blockers, clonidine, and ergot are contraindicated and may induce or worsen symptoms (Merck: