Long-term low molecular weight heparin therapy for severe Raynaud's phenomenon: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate tolerability and efficacy of low molecular weight (LMW) heparin therapy in patients with severe Raynaud's phenomenon. METHODS: A prospective parallel group study comparing patients receiving regular subcutaneous LMW heparin (n = 16) with a matched control group (n = 14). Endpoints were change in Raynaud's attack severity, non-invasive vascular studies or serum levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules. RESULTS: There was overall improvement in Raynaud's attack severity during heparin therapy (p = 0.0002). This was observed after 4 weeks, and was maximal by 20 weeks. Mean finger blood flow recovery time improved, and serum levels of circulating ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin were lower at completion of heparin therapy, but changes did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that LMW heparin therapy is well tolerated, and potentially beneficial, in patients with severe Raynaud's phenomenon, and justifies further evaluation.