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Symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome in patients with fibromyalgia. A study utilizing the Nielsen test, digital photoplethysmography, and measurements of platelet α 2 ‐adrenergic receptors

1991; Wiley; Volume: 34; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/art.1780340303

1529-0131

Robert M. Bennett, Sharon R. Clark, Stephen Campbell, Shirley B. Ingram, Carol S. Burckhardt, Donna L. Nelson, John M. Porter,

Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Abstract Twenty‐nine female patients with fibromyalgia were questioned about symptoms of cold intolerance and Raynaud's syndrome; objective documentation of cold‐induced vasospasm was obtained by a Nielsen test. Twelve patients (41%) had abnormal Nielsen test results, and 11 patients (38%) had elevated levels of platelet α 2 ‐adrenergic receptors. There was a positive correlation between the percentage of change in finger systolic pressure on cooling (Nielsen test) and the number of α 2 ‐adrenergic receptors. There was poor correlation between Raynaud's syndrome symptoms and an abnormal Nielsen test result. Digital photoplethysmography showed a normal waveform in 2 of 3 patients. We hypothesize that a subgroup of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome have an up‐regulation of α 2 ‐adrenergic receptors as a cause of their exaggerated reaction to cold.