Neutrophil respiratory burst is decreased in scleroderma and normalized by near-infrared mediated hyperthermia.

Background: The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fibroblasts has been suggested to contribute to scleroderma pathogenesis. Infrared-mediated hyperthermia has recently been shown to be of benefit in scleroderma.

Aim: As the contribution of neutrophils and monocytes to ROS formation in scleroderma is unknown, we studied respiratory burst in these cell types.

Infrared-monitored cold response in the assessment of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Background: Evaluation of treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) requires objective response parameters in addition to clinical activity scores. Thermographic monitoring of fingertip re-warming after cold challenge has been widely used but usually requires sophisticated equipment. We have previously shown that fingertip re-warming after cold challenge follows a first-order transient response curve that can be described by a single variable, designated tau.