Raynaud’s phenomenon in patients with peripheral neuropathy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prevalence and associates of Raynaud’s phenomenon in patients with peripheral sensory neuropathies.
IRAS ID
224708
Contact name
Ariane Herrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) usually occurs in response to exposure to cold temperatures, anxiety or emotional stress. The fingers turn white, sometimes blue and then red as the blood flow returns. This can also be accompanied by numbness, pain and the feeling of pins and needles. These symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours. RP is a common condition, affecting around 5% of the general population. There are two types of Raynaud’s; primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud’s is the most common type. Secondary Raynaud’s is when Raynaud’s is associated with another health condition. Secondary Raynaud’s can be very severe and progress to digital ulceration or gangrene. \n\nThe cause of RP is not known. It is thought that damage or disease of the nerves (called peripheral neuropathy) may play a role in RP. Small nerve fibres control the narrowing and widening of the blood vessels, which in turn affects blood flow. Little research has been carried out in this area, however a number of patients with peripheral neuropathy describe RP. The aim of this study is to find out if RP is increased in patients with peripheral neuropathy, specifically peripheral sensory neuropathies and dorsal root ganglionopathies (another type of nerve problem). This study will recruit 200 patients with peripheral sensory neuropathies and 200 with dorsal root ganglionopathies identified through clinics by the direct care team or through Dr Gosal’s database of patients. Patients will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. This will allow us to determine if the prevalence of RP is higher in patients with peripheral sensory neuropathies and with dorsal root ganglionopathies than in the general population. \n
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0897
Date of REC Opinion
30 May 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion