Poor methodological quality, small sample sizes and the limited data available resulted in low precision of the statistical results and limited value of the overall results .The overall results show that there is no evidence for an effect of vasodilator drugs on primary Raynaud's phenomenon.
Subjective and objective assessment of enalapril in primary Raynaud's phenomenon.
1. The efficacy and acceptability of enalapril were assessed in a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled cross-over study in 21 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon. 2. Skin temperature was assessed by thermocouples in response to a 15 degrees C cold water challenge as an index of digital blood flow. 3. Following enalapril there were no significant changes in the number and severity of Raynaud's attacks, and no subjective benefit from treatment as measured by visual analogue scales, 5 point rating scales, and skin temperature response to cold challenge when compared with placebo. 4. Enalapril in a dose of 20 mg daily is ineffective in the management of primary Raynaud's phenomenon.