Calcium channel blockers have been used in the treatment of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), and a beneficial effect was often recorded. The efficacy of slow-releasing nicardipine was assessed in a clinically homogeneous series of RP without underlying diseases in a randomized, double blind, cross-over and placebo controlled trial. Out of twenty-one selected patients (18 women and 3 men, mean age 46 +/- 12 yrs) eighteen completed the study and three dropped out, one for inadequate compliance and two due to headache. After a three-week period, slow-releasing nicardipine (20 mg two times daily) was significantly more useful than placebo: the number of RP episodes per week decreased (p < 0.02), severity of discomfort and hand disability scores, evaluated after single RP attack, clearly improved (p < 0.005 and p < 0.02, respectively). According to clinical improvement, time of peak flow after postischemic reactive hyperaemia test was significantly reduced only after nicardipine (p < 0.01). These results show that slow-releasing nicardipine is generally well tolerated and can provide effective improvement in RP patients without underlying diseases.
Slow-releasing nicardipine in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomena without underlying diseases.
BOMBARDIERI, STEFANO;PASERO, GIAMPIERO
1992-01-01
Abstract
Calcium channel blockers have been used in the treatment of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), and a beneficial effect was often recorded. The efficacy of slow-releasing nicardipine was assessed in a clinically homogeneous series of RP without underlying diseases in a randomized, double blind, cross-over and placebo controlled trial. Out of twenty-one selected patients (18 women and 3 men, mean age 46 +/- 12 yrs) eighteen completed the study and three dropped out, one for inadequate compliance and two due to headache. After a three-week period, slow-releasing nicardipine (20 mg two times daily) was significantly more useful than placebo: the number of RP episodes per week decreased (p < 0.02), severity of discomfort and hand disability scores, evaluated after single RP attack, clearly improved (p < 0.005 and p < 0.02, respectively). According to clinical improvement, time of peak flow after postischemic reactive hyperaemia test was significantly reduced only after nicardipine (p < 0.01). These results show that slow-releasing nicardipine is generally well tolerated and can provide effective improvement in RP patients without underlying diseases.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.