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Raynaud’s Phenomenon in Older Adults

Diagnostic Considerations and Management

  • Disease Management
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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 comorbities that accompany advancing age, the managment 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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology and Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Shari M. Ling

  2. Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Fredrick M. Wigley

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  1. Shari M. Ling
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  2. Fredrick M. Wigley
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Ling, S.M., Wigley, F.M. Raynaud’s Phenomenon in Older Adults. Drugs Aging 15, 183–195 (1999). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-199915030-00002

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