The Effect of Changes in Temperature on Peripheral Blood Flow in Systemic Sclerosis

In a study from 1987, researchers Goodfield and Rowell investigated the effects of temperature changes on peripheral blood flow in patients with systemic sclerosis (SS) and Raynaud's phenomenon. The study included 11 patients (10 female) with SS and 9 normal controls (8 female). Using laser-doppler flowmetry, they found that at room temperature, patients with SS had significantly lower finger pulp blood flow compared to controls. However, after warming their hands, the blood flow in patients increased to levels similar to that of the controls. During cooling and subsequent recovery, both groups showed similar patterns in the reduction and restoration of blood flow. The study concluded that warming can temporarily normalize impaired finger blood flow in SS patients, and suggested that these patients should warm themselves before exposure to cold environments.