From the Guidelines
Secondary causes of Raynaud's phenomenon include autoimmune disorders, certain medications, occupational factors, smoking, injuries, blood disorders, thyroid problems, pulmonary hypertension, and carpal tunnel syndrome, as identified in recent studies 1. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 1, provides recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, which are relevant to the management of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Some key points to consider in the management of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon include:
- Avoidance of cold exposure, which can trigger Raynaud's phenomenon, particularly in people with systemic sclerosis 1
- Smoking cessation, as smoking can constrict blood vessels and worsen Raynaud's symptoms 1
- Physical exercise, which can improve health-related quality of life and reduce symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon 1
- Patient education and self-management support, which can help individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon manage their condition and reduce symptoms 1 It is essential to identify the underlying cause of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, as treating the primary condition may help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of non-pharmacological management of Raynaud's phenomenon, including the use of gloves and heating devices to prevent cold-induced episodes 1. Overall, a comprehensive approach to managing secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, including lifestyle modifications, patient education, and treatment of underlying conditions, can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, as supported by recent studies 1.
From the Research
Secondary Causes of Raynaud's Phenomenon
The secondary causes of Raynaud's phenomenon are diverse and can be associated with various underlying pathologies. Some of the secondary causes include:
- Rheumatological conditions such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) 2, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 3, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 4, 5
- Haematological conditions 2
- Endocrinological conditions 2
- Vascular pathology 2
- Connective tissue disease, especially SSc-spectrum disorders 6
- Vasculitis, which may be associated with RA 5
Specific Conditions Associated with Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon
Some specific conditions that have been associated with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon include:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc), which can cause severe digital ischaemia and threaten tissue viability 2
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which has been found to have a significant association with Raynaud's phenomenon, particularly in patients with neurological/neuropsychiatric manifestations and anti-RNP antibodies 3
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which has been found to have a high prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon, particularly in patients with vasculitis 5