How do you manage severe Raynaud's phenomenon with ulceration in scleroderma patients that is refractory to oral agents (CCBs, PDEis, ARBs, and ERAs)?
Answer from: at Academic Institution
Difficult question. First, I would make sure that the ulcers you are trying to treat are really ischemic in etiology. These would typically be ulcers that are on the fingertips in association with significant Raynaud's. Other etiology for ulcers would be trauma/skin fragility (over PIP joints most c...
My experience in the referral to hand surgery is much like Dr. @Hummers; it is really important to ensure the surgeon offers sympathectomy and not “limited amputation” of the distal digit. This never treats the issue.
I do use calcium channel blockers, PDE5 inhibitors, SSRIs (fluoxetine...