occurrence and frequency of Raynaud phenomenon and Raynaud disease in children and adults
Raynaud phenomenon should be distinguished from normal vasomotor instability, particularly in young girls. It should also be distinguished from acrocyanosis, a rare vasospastic disorder of persistent coldness and bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, which may follow a viral infection. Patients with Raynaud phenomenon associated with digital ulcers, nailfold capillary abnormalities, and/or an ANA with a nucleolar or centromere pattern are more likely to have or to develop a systemic CTD.
Raynaud in Children and AdultsAdapted from Cassidy JT et al: Textbook of pediatric rheumatology, ed 6, Philadelphia, 2011, WB Saunders.
| Category | Children (%) | Adults (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Raynaud disease (isolated) | 5 | 70 |
| Raynaud phenomenon without CTD | 1 | 5 |
| JIA/RA | 1 | 7 |
| SLE | 60 | 4 |
| SSc | 30 | 3 |
| Dermatomyositis | 3 | 1 |
CTD, connective tissue disease; JIA, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (children); RA, rheumatoid arthritis (adults); SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus; SSc, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
