A double-blind cross-over study of nifedipine retard in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon |
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Authors: | M. B. Finch S. Copeland A. P. Passmore G. D. Johnston |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Therapeutics and Pharmacology, The Queen's University of Belfast, The Whitla Medical Building, 97 Lisburn Road, BT9 7BL Belfast, Northern Ireland |
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Abstract: | Summary The effectiveness of nifedipine retard as a treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon was assessed in 15 patients in a placebo controlled double blind study. An associated connective tissue disease was evident in 7 patients. Changes in finger and forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography), digital skin temperature and digital systolic pressure were measured acutely before and after a 2-week treatment period. Subjective assessment of efficacy was based on patient diary data. In addition alpha2-adrenoceptor density on platelets was measured before and after chronic nifedipine therapy in both the patient group and in an age-and-sex-matched control group. No significant haemodynamic changes were observed. Nifedipine retard significantly reduced the frequency (p<0.05) with no change in either the duration or severity of vasospastic attacks. Side effects were commono following nifedipine retard. A reduction in alpha2-adrenoceptor density on platelets was observed in patients compared to a control group (p<0.05). Alpha2-adrenoceptor density was unchanged following a 2-week treatment period with nifedipine retard. This study concludes that nifedipine retard is not effective in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon over a short time course. Patients with Raynaud's phenomenon have reduced alpha2-adrenoceptor densities on their platelets. |
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Keywords: | Peripheral Vascular Effects Platelet Alpha2-Adrenoceptor Density Nifedipine Retard Raynaud's Phenomenon |
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