Raynaud's Phenomenon in Older Adults: Diagnostic Considerations and Management

Overview

Journal Drugs Aging

Specialties Geriatrics
Pharmacology

Date 1999 Sep 30

PMID 10503811

Citations 6

Authors

S M Ling

F M Wigley

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is characterised by sensitivity to cold temperatures associated with either biphasic or uniphasic change in colour of the digits. Since few studies are available which include older adults, the prevalence of RP in the older adult population is estimated from surveys or studies of the general population. The causes of RP in older adults may differ significantly from those in young adults and, therefore, so would the evaluation of RP. Because of comorbitis that accompany advancing age, the management of RP in older adult patients must take into consideration toxicity and adverse reactions that may develop, especially in the frail individual. Although nonpharmacological therapy is preferable, slow-release calcium antagonists provide a relatively well tolerated and effective treatment for moderate to severe RP in older adult patients. Aggressive treatment including hospitalisation is appropriate for older adult patients during periods of critical digital ischaemia associated with RP.

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