Treatment of Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease characterised by microvascular injury and excessive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Most patients with this condition experience Raynaud phenomenon, usually as the earliest manifestation of disease. In addition to pain and functional impairment, Raynaud phenomenon can produce tissue ischaemia resulting in digital ulceration and gangrene. Current treatments have been only moderately successful in reducing the frequency and severity of Raynaud phenomenon in patients with systemic sclerosis. This review will address treatments available for Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis.