INVESTIGATIONS & DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT PLAN
INVESTIGATIONS & DIAGNOSIS
Clinical diagnosis based on presentation
Further investigations if secondary causes suspected
TREATMENT PLAN
Conservative measures:
- Avoid triggers
- Keep warm
- Wear gloves
Medical management:
- First line: Nifedipine
Ages 13-17: Specialist input is required before starting Age >18: Can be prescribed Contraindications:
- Age <12 years
- MI in the past month
- Aortic stenosis
- Unstable angina
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Known hypersensitivity
Alternative treatment:
- Amlodipine (off-label use) if no response/contraindications to nifedipine
PROGNOSIS
Primary: Generally good prognosis, no complications
Secondary: Risk of ulceration and gangrene, particularly with scleroderma
KEY INFORMATION
Refer for specialist assessment if:
- <12 years old
- All people suspected of having secondary Raynaud’s.