Serial CO₂ hand baths are associated with improved microvascular parameters and Raynaud-related symptoms in systemic sclerosis: A controlled feasibility study
Controlled feasibility study demonstrates improved microvascular function and reduced symptoms in systemic sclerosis, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Key Points
This study aims to explore the effects of serial CO₂ hand baths on microvascular parameters and symptom severity in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Controlled feasibility study with 14 patients and 14 healthy controls undergoing daily CO₂ hand baths for 7 days.
Primary endpoint assessed change in Doppler-derived resistance index (RI) from baseline to day 7.
Secondary endpoints included Raynaud Condition Score (RCS), attack frequency, and duration.
Baseline RI was significantly higher in systemic sclerosis patients (0.80) compared to healthy controls (0.73, p < 0.001).
Post-treatment, RI decreased significantly in both groups (SSc: mean change -0.17, p < 0.001; controls: mean change -0.11, p < 0.001).
In systemic sclerosis patients, RCS improved significantly with a median change of -3.0 points by day 7 (p < 0.001).