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Laser Imaging Tracks Ointment's Effect In Raynaud's Phenomenon

Topical glyceryl trinitrate has been found to be effective in patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

This study, done in England, illustrates the ability of laser Doppler imaging to quantify local vasodilatory effects as well as demonstrating the usefulness of this ointment in these conditions.

This research team investigated microvascular responses to topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) in patients' fingers by using laser Doppler imaging. Ten people with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP), 13 with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (LCSSc) and 10 healthy control subjects participated.

Baseline skin microvascular blood flow of the dorsum of the index, middle and ring fingers of each patient's non-dominant hand was measured by scanning laser Doppler imaging.

Then, 2% GTN ointment was rubbed on the dorsum of one finger and placebo ointment was rubbed on the dorsum of a second finger, each for one minute. The third finger remained untreated. Immediately after the ointment was applied, and then again 10 minutes and 20 minutes later, each participant's three fingers were scanned.

Increased blood flow response was found to placebo versus no treatment and to GTN versus placebo.

Over time, the change in blood flow differed significantly between placebo and GTN, but not between placebo and no ointment; blood flow increased with GTN and decreased with placebo/no treatment at 10 minutes and 20 minutes. There were no differences in initial baseline blood flow or response between the subject groups.
Rheumatology 2002; 41: 324-328. "Digital vascular response to topical glyceryl trinitrate, as measured by laser Doppler imaging, in primary Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis"

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