Intra-arterial reserpine for Raynaud's syndrome. Systemic reactions without therapeutic benefit.

Twenty-four patients classified as having Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's phenomenon were given bilateral brachial artery injections of reserpine or saline in a double-blind fashion. In the six weeks following injection, there was no indication that reserpine produced clinical improvement or changed vasomotor reactivity in the treated patients. However, intra-arterial reserpine did produce systemic cardiovascular effects lasting up to six weeks. It is concluded that intra-arterial reserpine as used in this study is an ineffective treatment for Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's phenomenon and may have significant adverse effects.