PMID: 18709692Aug 19, 2008Paper

Statins: potentially useful in therapy of systemic sclerosis-related Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers

The Journal of Rheumatology
Anna Abou-RayaMadihah Helmii

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by fibrosis and widespread vascular pathology. Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and digital ulceration are prominent manifestations of vascular involvement in SSc. Digital ulcers (DU) remain a serious complication, and effective therapy remains elusive. Statins display pleiotropic effects on endothelial function that may potentially retard vascular injury. We evaluated the potential efficacy of statin therapy in endothelial dysfunction and in management of RP and DU. Eighty-four SSc patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for classification of SSc with secondary RP despite ongoing vasodilator therapy were randomized into 2 groups; the first group (n = 56) received 40 mg/day atorvastatin for 4 months; the second group (n = 28) received placebo. Seventy-five healthy volunteers served as controls. Assessment of RP and DU was performed monthly. The primary outcome measure was the number of DU. Secondary endpoints included the modified Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (SHAQ-DI), safety, and tolerability. Measurement of functional status in relation to RP included the SHAQ-DI, visual analog scale (VAS) for RP, DU and pain scales, and VAS for p...Continue Reading

Citations

May 11, 2011·International Journal of General Medicine·Christos G Mihos, Orlando Santana
May 30, 2009·Vascular Health and Risk Management·Naila Goldenberg, Charles Glueck
Apr 22, 2010·Vascular Health and Risk Management·Magnus Baumhäkel, Michael Böhm
May 8, 2010·Vascular Health and Risk Management·Terri L Levien
Sep 27, 2012·Rheumatology International·Afsha A Topal, Rachita S Dhurat

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