Application of a novel finger temperature device in the assessment of subjects with Raynaud's phenomenon

Abstract

Introduction:Finger skin thermometry is one of the most commonly used methods for evaluating the response of the digital vessels to cold stimulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of a novel finger skin temperature device for performing cold-stimulation test (CST) in subjects with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP).Methodology: A total of 155 consecutive subjects were studied. They were divided into three groups: 73 patients with primary RP (8 males, 65 females, mean age 38.5 ± 16.2), 42 patients with secondary RP (4 males, 38 females, mean age 49.6 ± 13.1, connected with lupus erythematosus and systemic scleroderma), and 40 healthy controls (5 males, 35 females, mean age 38.8 ± 16.6). Standardized CST consisting of exposure of both hands to water with a temperature of 10℃ for 5 minutes was performed. Changes in skin temperature of both wrists and 2-5 fingers were measured using a novel finger temperature device (Courage & Khazaka).Measurements were made before and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after cold stimulation. The time of recovery for baseline temperature of all fingers below 15 minutes was considered normal.

Can peripheral biomarkers reflect the psychological condition in geriatric populations? The influence of cardiovascular comorbidities

“…Since finger temperature is simultaneously affected by peripheral sympathetic activity and vasoconstrictive response, 5,27 comorbidities resulting in a change in overall cardiovascular condition, which are more prevalent among geriatric populations, may confound the results of measurement. The potential confounding effect may be supported as the negative association between age and finger temperature became significant after excluding those with CVDs.…”

“…25 Also, according to the previous literature, increasing age is not only associated with a decrease in skin conductance but also vulnerability to the environmental influence on skin conductance measurements, such as position at measurement and respiratory rate, which may lead to larger inconsistency in the results of measurements. 26 Since finger temperature is simultaneously affected by peripheral sympathetic activity and vasoconstrictive response, 5,27 comorbidities resulting in a change in overall cardiovascular condition, which are more prevalent among geriatric populations, may confound the results of measurement. The potential confounding effect may be supported as the negative association between age and finger temperature became significant after excluding those with CVDs.…”