Capillaroscopic appearance of nailfold vasculature of diabetic nephropathy patients

ABSTRACT Objectives: Diabetic nephropathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes and the most common cause of end-stage renal failure throughout the world. Videocapillaroscopy is a simple and noninvasive method that can display capillaries in the nail bed at the micron level. A few studies have been conducted on detecting retinopathy, another important diabetic microvascular complication, with videocapillaroscopy; however, no comprehensive study has been performed on diabetic nephropathy. We aimed to determine the relationship between nephropathy and capillaroscopic changes. Subjects and methods: Capillaroscopic findings of 144 patients with type 2 diabetes and 88 healthy controls were assessed prospectively by nailfold videocapillaroscopy. Twelve capillaroscopic findings were evaluated in all subjects. Results: Patients with albuminuria had more capillary aneurysms (15.5%), more microhemorrhages (15.5%), greater tortuosity (76.3%), more neoformations (29.9%), more bizarre capillaries (49.5%) and more bushy capillaries (20.6%) than the control group. In logistic regression analysis, tortuosity was significantly correlated with albuminuria (OR: 2.451, p = 0.048). Conclusions: Our findings show that the application of nailfold videocapillaroscopy can detect microvascular abnormalities in the nail bed that occur in diabetes mellitus patients compared to healthy people. Although there was no difference in the microvascular changes among the stages of diabetic nephropathy, a relationship between tortuosity and albuminuria was identified by logistic regression analysis. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy may be a new application that can be used to screen the microvascular changes that occur in diabetes mellitus.

Video-dermoscopic Assessment of Capillaroscopic Pattern in Hansen's Disease

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease with a proven role of Mycobacterium leprae invasion into endothelial cells. Animal studies have shown evidence of involvement of vasa nervorum in the process of nerve invasion. Capillaries act as the mirror image of vascular involvement in any rheumatic disorder and holds good for leprosy also. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a non-invasive, easily reproducible technique to study proximal nailfold capillaries. The aim of this study is to investigate morphological nailfold capillaroscopic alterations in patients with leprosy in its various forms and comparison with the normal individual. Total 20 Leprosy patients and 20 normal age and sex matched individuals recruited for nailfold capillaroscopic examination using video dermoscopye. Among 20 normal individuals, 3(15%) individuals showed tortuous capillaries and microhemorrhages each, 2(10%) showed meandering vessels, 1(5%) each showed megacapillaries, dilated/ectatic capillaries and bizarre vessels. Out of 20 leprosy patients, 11 (55%) patients showed bizarre and meandering capillaries, 10(50%) showed dilated vessels and avascular areas, 9(45%) showed capillary dropouts and neovascularisation, 8(40%) showed tortuous vessels, 6(30%) haemorrhages and 4 (20%) showed megacapillaries. Findings like avascular areas, capillary dropouts, haemorrhages were more noticed in lepromatous and borderline lepromatous leprosy, whereas early capillary abnormalities like dilated, meandering, bizarre vessels and neoangiogenesis were noticed more in borderline tuberculoid leprosy. However, statistical significant difference between clinical and dermoscopic observations was not seen in this study. Further studies with a large sample size are required to find out the same. Morphological changes may denote micro-vascular invasion by Mycobacterium leprae and may act as warning signs of fore- coming complications like loss of sensation and trophic ulcers. Follow-up studies are required to understand such correlation, if any.

Characteristics of nailfold capillaroscopy examination of systemic sclerosis and its value in assessing the development of SSc / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective:To identify the characteristics of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and investigate whether more severe peripheral microangiopathy at NFC were related to the development of SSc.Methods:① The study included 115 patients (60 cases with SSc and 55 patients with other connective tissue diseases). All patients were treated with neither prednisone nor immunosuppressive drugs within 3 months before enrollment. We collected the following data: age, disease duration, disease onset, mRSS, high-resolution chest tomography (HRCT), echocardiography, pulmonary function, nailfold capillaroscopy and routine laboratory assessments. ② All the NFC definitions were used for semi-quantitatively scoring and Cutolo's qualitative assessment. ③ The relationship between NFC changes and joint, visceral involvement and autoantibodies in SSc patients was analyzed. ④ T test, Rank sum test and chi-square test were applied to analyze data. Results:① According to Cutoloqualitative assessment of NFC, patients of SSc with active/late pattern ( n=52) were very common than other CTD ( n=21) ( Z=-3.853, P<0.01). ② According to semiquantitative assessment, the scores of loss of capillaries [(1.67±0.60) vs (0.72±0.46), t=8.347, P<0.01)], irregular enlarged capillaries [(1.22±0.88) vs (0.74±0.50), t=3.178, P<0.01)], hemorrhage [(0.30±0.39) vs (0.10±0.21), t=3.090, P<0.01)], disorganization of the microvascular array [(0.38±0.38) vs (0.18±0.32), t=2.729, P<0.01)] were significantly higher than CTD. ③ The NFC of SSc patients was significantly different from CTD. The number of capillary loss ( Z=-4.194, P<0.01), input capillary dimensions ( t=3.704, P<0.01), output capillary dimensions ( t=3.913, P<0.01), wide diameter of capillary ( t=4.586, P<0.01), tortuous capillaries ( Z=-2.677, P<0.01), gaint capillary ( χ2=8.040, P=0.013), effusion ( Z=-2.278, P=0.023) were more increased than CTD. ④ The NFC pattern of SSc with lung involvement were mainly active and late (66%, 33/50), whereas early and active pattern (60%, 6/10) for those without respiratory system involvement ( Z=10.114, P=0.045) . The NFC pattern of SSc patients with joint involvement were mainly active and late (75%, 12/16), whereas early and active (66%, 29/44) for those without joint involvement ( Z=5.550, P=0.057) . Conclusion:The NFC of SSc patients is significantly different from CTD. NFC may be a suitable tool for disease evaluation.

Development of a New-type Nail-fold Microcirculation Imaging Device / 中国医疗器械杂志

At present, there are many problems in the nail-fold microcirculation detection devices, such as huge structure, inconvenience to carry. In addition, due to the patient's body shaking, the video is difficult to keep stable in collecting with the device, which brings great difficulties to the doctor's observation. We develop a small image acquisition device for nail-fold microcirculation based on the principle of SDF imaging principle and liquid lenses technology. An annular lighting device is fixed in front of the optical system, and the overall design of the system is based on the characteristics of human fingers. The device is small, easy to carry and conform to the fingertips. It can focus quickly through a controller. It can also achieve high quality images of the nail-fold microcirculation. This study can promote the usage of nail-fold microcirculation device at the bedside. It's an efficient tool for medical workers to observe the microcirculation of patients.

Nailfold capillaroscopy as a risk factor for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Abstract Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to evaluate clinical and laboratory risk factors associated with PAH in SLE patients. Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study in which patients with SLE with PAH (SLE-PAH) confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC) were compared with SLE patients without PAH. Clinical and demographic variables related to SLE and PAH and nailfold capillaroscopy were evaluated by reviewing the medical records of the patients. Results: Twenty-one patients with SLE-PAH and 44 patients with SLE without PAH matched for sex and disease duration were included. The scleroderma (SD) pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy was more frequently found in patients with SLE-PAH than in those without PAH (56.3% versus 15.9%, respectively, p = 0.002). By univariate analysis, Raynaud's phenomenon, history of abortion, and SD pattern on capillaroscopy were associated with PAH. Arthritis was a protective factor for PAH development. Multivariate analysis showed that the SD pattern on capillaroscopy was the only variable associated with a significantly higher risk of PAH, with an odds ratio of 6.393 (95% confidence interval, 1.530-26.716; p = 0.011). Conclusion: In this study, SD pattern was associated with a 6.3-fold increased risk for PAH development in SLE patients, suggesting that nailfold capillaroscopy might be useful as a screening method to identify SLE patients with a high risk of developing this severe complication.

Characteristics of nailfold capillaroscopy in fine sanding workers / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of hand-transmitted vibration operation on nailfold capillaroscopy( NFC) in fine sanding workers. METHODS: A total of 57 fine sanding workers of one golf ball production enterprise in Guangdong Province were selected as vibration exposure group and 30 workers without exposure to hand-transmitted vibration as control group by a judgement sampling method. NFC examination was carried out in workers of these two groups. RESULTS: The capillary haemorrhage detection rates,percentage of abnormal capillary loops and total capillary width in the vibration exposure group were higher than that in the control group [43. 9% vs 13. 3%,( 56. 6 ± 20. 9) % vs( 41. 2 ± 14. 5) %,( 44. 7 ± 4. 9) vs( 42. 4 ± 4. 9) μm,P < 0. 05]. The capillary density,capillary length and branch diameter in the vibration exposure group were lower than that in the control group [( 7. 7 ± 1. 0) vs( 8. 8 ± 1. 0) per mm,( 185. 1 ± 33. 9) vs( 205. 6 ± 23. 2) μm,( 18. 3 ± 1. 9) vs( 19. 6 ± 2. 6) μm,P < 0. 05]. No significant difference was found in the diameter of apical part and branch of capillaries between the two groups( P > 0. 05). In the vibration exposure group,the percentage of abnormal capillary loops in the left hand was lower than that in the right hand [( 53. 1 ± 20. 6) % vs( 61. 5 ±24. 2) %,P < 0. 01],the capillary length in the left hand of vibration exposure group was longer than that in the right hand [( 187. 2 ± 33. 5) vs( 179. 4 ± 35. 4) μm,P < 0. 05]. No significant difference was found in the capillary density,total capillary width,apical part diameter,output branch diameter and input branch diameter between two hands in the vibration exposure group( P > 0. 05). CONCLUSION: The hand-transmitted vibration can lower the nailfold capillary density,shorten and widen capillary loops, increase percentage of abnormal capillary loops and induce capillary haemorrhage. NFC could be used to assist early detection of microvascular damage induced by hand-transmitted vibration.

A Diagnostic Roadmap for Raynaud's Phenomenon / 대한내과학회지

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a reversible vasospasm that is aggravated by cold or emotional stress. Before confirming RP, it is essential to consider other possible causes including compressive neuropathy, sensori-neuropathy, thyroid disease, hematologic conditions and offending drugs. RP is typically characterized by the three-step color change that turns pallor (white), cyanosis (blue), and then erythema (red) of reperfusion. Once RP is diagnosed, it is important to determine whether it is primary or secondary RP. To distinguish primary from the secondary RP, the specialized tests performing in clinical practice are antinuclear antibody (ANA) and nailfold capillary microscopy (NFC). The combination of ANA and NFC is most helpful for discriminating secondary RP due to autoimmune rheumatic disease. Thereby, normal findings of NFC in primary RP distinguished from secondary RP should be understood. Patients with primary RP usually improves with symptomatic treatment focused on lifestyle modification and patient education, but those with secondary RP should be treated together with associated disease or causes.

Impacts of mild moxibustion on immune indices and nailfold microcirculation in the subhealthy group / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the difference in the clinical therapeutic effects of the regulation of subhealthy condition between the mild moxibustion on alternate days and Chinese herbal medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two participants of subhealthy condition were assigned into a mild moxibustion group (36 cases) and a medication group (36 cases) according to random number table. In the mild moxibustion group, the intervention of mild moxibustion with moxa stick was applied to Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), once every other day. In the medication group,granules were prescribed for oral administration, three times a day. The treatment was continued for 2 months. Before and after treatment, the levels of IgA, IgM and IgG, SOD (superoxide dismutase), the total score of fatigue scale 14 (FS-14) and the score of nailfold microcirculation were observed separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the results before treatment, the immune indices, the total score of FS-14 and the scores of nailfold microcirculation were all improved after treatment in the two groups, indicating the significant differences (<0.05,<0.01). In comparison between the two groups after treatment, the levels of immune globulin, e.g. IgM, IgG and SOD in the mild moxibustion group were higher in tendency than those in the medication group, but without significant differences (all>0.05). The total score of FS-14 after treatment in the mild moxibustion group was lower than that in the medication group (<0.05). After treatment, in the mild moxibustion group, for the nailfold microcirculation, the flow state score, the periloop score and the total score were all reduced more apparently as compared with those in the medication group (<0.01,<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mild moxibustion with moxa stick on alternate days apparently relieves fatigue state, immune dysfunction and microcirculatory impairment in the subhealthy group. The results are apparently superior to the treatment withgranules.</p>

Hallazgos capilaroscópicos patológicos previos al desarrollo de lupus eritematoso sistémico / Pathologic capillaroscopic findings before systemic lupus erythematous development

La capilaroscopía periungular es una técnica de estudio, de la microcirculación cutánea in vivo. Es de elección en el diagnóstico diferencial entre Raynaud primario y secundario. Presentamos la descripción de los hallazgos capilaroscópicos mediante imágenes, en una adolescente que padece fenómeno de Raynaud. Se hallan alteraciones estructurales y funcionales de los capilares. En los meses posteriores la paciente desarrolla lupus eritematoso sistémico. La presencia de estos hallazgos previos al desarrollo de enfermedad lúpica, no es frecuente.

Nailfold capillaroscopy is a technique to visualize the skin microcirculation in vivo. This is of the utmost importance to establish the differential diagnosis between primary and secondary Raynaud. We hereby present the capillaroscopic image of the alterations, both structural and functional, detected in a female adolescent with Raynaud's phenomenon. In the next months the patient developed a systemic lupus erythematosus. The presence of these prior to the development of lupus disease is rare findings.

Low vitamin D serum levels in diffuse systemic sclerosis: a correlation with worst quality of life and severe capillaroscopic findings / Baixos níveis séricos de vitamina D na esclerose sistêmica difusa: correlação com pior qualidade de vida e alterações capilaroscópicas graves

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation of vitamin D levels with clinical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life (QoL) and nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) in patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods: Thirty-eight female patients with diffuse SSc were analyzed regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) serum levels. At inclusion, organ involvement, autoantibodies, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), Medsger Disease Severity Index (MDSI), body mass index (BMI), BMD, NC, Short-Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36), and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), were performed through a standardized interview, physical examination and electronic chart review. Results: Mean 25OHD serum level was 20.66 ± 8.20 ng/mL. Eleven percent of the patients had 25OHD levels ≤10 ng/mL, 50% ≤20 ng/mL and 87% ≤30 ng/mL. Vitamin D serum levels were positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.338, p = 0.038), BMD-total femur (r = 0.340, p = 0.037), BMD-femoral neck (r = 0.384, p = 0.017), SF-36-Vitality (r = 0.385, p = 0.017), SF-36-Social Function (r = 0.320, p = 0.050), SF-36-Emotional Role (r = 0.321, p = 0.049) and SF-36-Mental Health (r = 0.531, p = 0.0006) and were negatively correlated with HAQ-Reach (r = −0.328, p = 0.044) and HAQ-Grip Strength (r = −0.331, p = 0.042). A negative correlation with NC-diffuse devascularization (p = 0.029) and NC-avascular area (p = 0.033) was also observed. Conclusion: The present study provides novel evidence demonstrating that low levels of 25OHD have a negative impact in diffuse SSc QoL and further studies are needed to define whether vitamin D supplementation can improve health related QoL in these patients. The additional observation of a correlation with severe NC alterations suggests a possible role of 25OHD in the underlying SSc vascular involvement.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a correlação entre os níveis de vitamina D e parâmetros clínicos, densidade mineral óssea (DMO), qualidade de vida (QV) e capilaroscopia periungueal (CPU) em pacientes com esclerose sistêmica difusa (ES). Métodos: Mensuraram-se os níveis séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OHD) de 38 pacientes do sexo feminino com ES difusa. No momento da inclusão, analisaram-se o envolvimento de órgãos, autoanticorpos, escore cutâneo de Rodnan modificado (ERM), Medsger Disease Severity Index (MDSI), índice de massa corporal (IMC), DMO, CPU, Short-Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36) e Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) por meio de uma entrevista padronizada, exame físico e avaliação de prontuário eletrônico. Resultados: A média do nível sérico de 25OHD foi de 20,66 ± 8,20 ng/mL. Dos pacientes, 11% tinham níveis de 25OHD ≤ 10 ng/mL, 50% ≤ 20 ng/mL e 87% ≤ 30 ng/mL. Os níveis séricos de vitamina D estiveram positivamente correlacionados com o IMC (r = 0,338, p = 0,038), DMO-fêmur total (r = 0,340, p = 0,037), DMO-colo femoral (r = 0,384, p = 0,017), SF-36-Vitalidade (r = 0,385, p = 0,017), SF-36-Aspecto social (r = 0,320, p = 0,050), SF-36-Aspecto emocional (r = 0,321, p = 0,049) e SF-36-Saúde mental (r = 0,531, p = 0,0006) e se correlacionaram negativamente com o HAQ-Alcance (r = –0,328, p = 0,044) e HAQ-força de preensão (r = –0,331, p = 0,042). Também foi observada uma correlação negativa com a CPU- desvascularização difusa (p = 0,029) e CPU-área avascular (p = 0,033). Conclusão: O presente estudo fornece evidências novas de que níveis baixos de 25OHD têm um impacto negativo sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes com ES difusa e que são necessários mais estudos para definir se a suplementação de vitamina D pode melhorar a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde desses pacientes. A observação adicional de uma correlação com alterações graves na CPU sugere um possível papel da 25OHD no envolvimento vascular subjacente da ES.

The Clinical Efficacy of Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Rheumatic Diseases / 대한내과학회지

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a non-invasive morphological study that routinely used to differentiate between a primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Secondary RP is a manifestation of an underlying rheumatic disease that occurs in 80-95% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), 75% of patients with mixed connective tissue disease and in 20-25% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. These RP frequently precedes the underlying disease by many years. The well-established roles of NFC are the early diagnosis of SSc, and potential for predicting clinical complication, as like digital ulcers. The following review will present a technique about how to perform NFC and optimal assessment with emphasis on its possible role as a reliable diagnostic tool.

Estudio de patrones capilaroscópicos en población sana / Capillarroscopic patterns in healthy population

La capilaroscopia es un método no invasivo y seguro que permite la visualización de los capilares a nivel del lecho periungueal de los dedos de las manos. Es útil en la evaluación del Fenómeno de Raynaud y de las colagenopatías, principalmente de la esclerodermia; sin embargo, se conoce poco acerca de la prevalencia y distribución de los cambios capilaroscópicos en sujetos sanos, siendo el objetivo de este estudio evaluar y describir las alteraciones capilaroscópicas en este grupo. A 100 participantes seleccionados por criterios de inclusión y exclusión se les realizó una videocapilaroscopia del lecho ungueal del cuarto y quinto dedo de la mano no dominante; el 86% de la población estudiada presentó hallazgos capilaroscópicos como: capilares tortuosos, entrecruzados y arborificados. Además, las alteraciones capilaroscópicas fueron más frecuentes en sujetos que consumían tabaco, se encontró una relación significativa entre el tabaco y la presencia de arborificaciones. Este es el primer estudio descriptivo de alteraciones capilaroscópicas en sujetos sanos en el Ecuador.

Capillaroscopy is a noninvasive and safe method that allows visualizationof capillaries in the nailbed. It is useful in the assesment ofRaynaud’s phenomenon and collagen diseases, especially scleroderma;however, little is known about the prevalence and distributionof capillaroscopic changes in healthy subjects, hence the aim ofthis study was to assess and describe the microvascular alterationsin this group. 100 participants selected by inclusion and exclusioncriteria underwent videocapillaroscopy of the nailfold of the fourthand fifth fingers of the nondominant hand; 86% of the study populationpresented capillaroscopic findings such as tortuous capillaries,crisscrossing and arborifications. Also, the microvascular alterationswere more frequent in subjects who had history of tobaccosmoking: a significant relationship between smoking and the presenceof arborifications was found. This is the first descriptive studyof microvascular alterations in healthy subjects in Ecuador.

Relationship between pulmonary hypertension and serum uric acid level in patients with systemic sclerosis / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between serum uric acid and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods The echocardiography, electrocardiogram, nailfold videocapillaroscopy and laboratory parameters of 62 patients with SSc were retrospectively analyzed . Patients were divided into two groups according to presence of PH . Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17 software . Results Compared to patients without PH , patients with PH had significantly higher serum uric acid levels ( P < 0 . 01 ) , systolic pulmonary arterial pressure ( P < 0 . 01 ) , abnormality of electrocardiogram (P < 0.01), abnormality of nailfold video capillaroscopy and lower serum albunin levels (P < 0.01). Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure had correlation with Serum UA ( r = 0 . 26 , P < 0 . 01 ) as well as serum ablumin (r = -0.28, P < 0.03). Moreover, the mean value of serum UA was significantly different in two ECG groups (P < 0.01) and two nailfold videocapillaroscopy groups (P < 0.01). At the cutoff level of 374 μmol/L, serum uric acid had reasonable accuracy for predicting the presence of PH in SSc patients ( sensitivity 66 . 7% and specificity 84 . 0%) . Conclusion The serum uric acid may be useful as a practicable marker for predict PH in patients with SSc .

The Efficacy of Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Patients with Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is characterized by reversible digital vasospasm triggered by exposure to cold or emotional stress. It manifests with unique 'triphasic' (pallor, cyanosis, erythema) or 'biphasic' (white, blue) color change. Clinically, RP is classified as primary RP, which does not have an underlying associated cause with a relatively benign course, and secondary RP, which predates various cause such as systemic connective tissue disease (CTD). Therefore, RP must be differentiated for detection of emerging CTD such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus, and mixed conective tissue disease, ect. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a non-invasive morphological study used routinely with antinuclear antibodies for parallel of secondary RP. A recent study showed NFC to be the best predictor of transition from a primary RP to secondary RP. The well-established role of NFC for early diagnosis of SSc, and potential for monitoring disease progression and predictive clinical complication makes NFC an important tool in research and clinical practice. In this paper, I present a recent update with emphasis on its possible role as a reliable diagnostic tool and biomarker in secondary RP.

Methods for the morphological and functional evaluation of microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease characterized by alterations in microvascular structure and function. In these patients, numerous studies have demonstrated a relationship between capillary morphology and peripheral blood perfusion. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy reveals the peripheral microvascular morphology and thus allows classification and scoring of capillary abnormalities with respect to different microangiopathy patterns (early, active, and late). Laser Doppler flowmetry and laser speckle contrast analysis can be used to estimate cutaneous blood flow through microvessels and to assess and quantify blood perfusion at peripheral sites. These two methods are also used to identify changes in digital blood perfusion after the infusion of vasodilators.

Quantitative analysis of nailfold capillary morphology in patients with fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) has been used to examine morphological and functional microcirculation changes in connective tissue diseases. It has been demonstrated that NFC patterns reflect abnormal microvascular dynamics, which may play a role in fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine NFC patterns in FM, and their association with clinical features of FM. METHODS: A total of 67 patients with FM, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, were included. Nailfold capillary patterns were quantitatively analyzed using computerized NFC. The parameters of interest were as follows: number of capillaries within the central 3 mm, deletion score, apical limb width, capillary width, and capillary dimension. Capillary dimension was determined by calculating the number of capillaries using the Adobe Photoshop version 7.0. RESULTS: FM patients had a lower number of capillaries and higher deletion scores on NFC compared to healthy controls (17.3 +/- 1.7 vs. 21.8 +/- 2.9, p < 0.05; 2.2 +/- 0.9 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.6, p < 0.05, respectively). Both apical limb width (microm) and capillary width (microm) were significantly decreased in FM patients (1.1 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.7 +/- 0.6; 5.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 7.5 +/- 1.4, respectively), indicating that FM patients have abnormally decreased digital capillary diameter and density. Interestingly, there was no difference in capillary dimension between the two groups, suggesting that the length or tortuosity of capillaries in FM patients is increased to compensate for diminished microcirculation. CONCLUSIONS: FM patients had altered capillary density and diameter in the digits. Diminished microcirculation on NFC may alter capillary density and increase tortuosity.

Hiperhidrosis focal primaria asociada a eritromelalgia primaria / Primary focal hyperhidrosis associated to primary erythromelalgia

Paciente femenina de 30 años de edad que consulta por un cuadro de hiperhidrosis, asociado a sensación de calor desde su niñez. Sufre crisis de calor en cara, cuello, parte superior del tronco y los cuatro miembros, que la inducen a transpirar. Durante estos episodios nota sensación de calor, dolor y con aparición de rubor en manos y pies. Los síntomas ceden con aplicación de frío. Estos síntomas que presenta desde su adolescencia, dificultan el sueño, sus tareas habituales y el trato social. Sus antecedentes familiares respecto del mismo cuadro son floridos. Los estudios hematológicos, inmunológicos, la electromiografía y el ecodoppler de miembros superiores, resultaron dentro de límites normales. En el video sobre capilaroscopía periungueal de manos, se constata cambios micro vasculares inespecíficos. En la prueba de provocación mediante aumento de la temperatura, se obtiene resultado positivo a 39°C para miembros superiores. La paciente presenta signo-sintomatología compatible con hiperhidrosis focal primaria. Los episodios de calor, rubor y dolor de los cuatro miembros, que ceden a la exposición al frío fueron interpretados como eritromelalgia, en base a la clínica y los antecedentes familiares. Para la hiperhidrosis se indica solución de cloruro de aluminio hexa-hidratado al 20%, de aplicación tópica y para la eritromelalgia citrato de magnesio en grageas 528 mg, de dos a cuatro por día. Según la bibliografía por nosotros revisada, la asociación de hiperhidrosis focal primaria y eritromelalgia primaria familiar, no se ha registrado en la literatura.

Female patient, aged 30 years-old, attending a medical consultation with hyperhidrosis associated with episodes of warmth and sweating since childhood, located in face, neck, upper thorax and extremities. These episodes are accompanied by heat, pain and reddening in hands and feet. The symptoms disappear to cold exposure. These symptoms altered sleep, daily activities and social life. A positive family history with similar clinical characteristics was obtained. Hematological and immunological studies, as well as upper limbs electromyography and ecodoppler are within normal parameters. Unspecific microvascular alterations were observed with finger-periungueal video capillaroscopy. A provoking test yielded positive results when rising temperature to 39°C in upper limbs. The patient symptoms are compatible with focal primary hyperhidrosis. Heat, reddening and pain in the upper and low extremities responding to cold exposure and the positive family history led us to diagnose erythromelalgia. The hyperhidrosis treatment consisted of a topical application of 20% hexhydrate aluminum chloride. For erythromelalgia treatment 528 mg magnesium citrate pills, 2-4 daily were administered. Literature review to find out association of primary focal hyperhidrosis with primary familiar erythromelalgia was negative.

Nailfold capillary microscopy for evaluating hand-arm vibration syndrome

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated nailfold capillary abnormalities in patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome using nailfold capillary microscopy. METHODS: Fifty workers who underwent a special health examination because of exposure to hand-arm vibration at Ulsan University Hospital in 2012 (exposed group) and a control group of 50 white-collar employees were evaluated through a questionnaire survey regarding their present tasks, types of tools used, vibration exposure duration, use of protective wear, and medical history. Then, an occupational physician performed a physical examination for any hand deformities, skin problems, or motor and sensory dysfunctions of the upper extremities. The nailfold capillary morphologies (tortuous, crossing, bushy, meandering, branching, hemorrhage, avascular area, enlarged, and giant), capillary dimensions (afferent, top, venous, total width, and length), and specific counts (crossing and branching) on both fourth fingers were determined by a rheumatologist. Thereafter, the exposed subjects were assessed according to the Stockholm workshop classification scale. In total, 8 and 6 subjects in the exposed and control groups, respectively, were excluded from the study because of poor capillary microscopic image quality. In addition, 24 subjects in the exposed group with Stockholm vascular stage 0 were excluded. Finally, capillary morphology, dimensions, and specific counting were compared between the exposed (n = 18) and control groups (n = 44). RESULTS: The exposed group had significantly greater crossing capillaries and abnormal capillary numbers that included crossing capillaries (crossing, branching, bushy, and meandering) but smaller branching and abnormal capillary numbers that excluded crossing capillaries (branching, bushy, and meandering) than the control group did. No significant difference in capillary dimensions was observed between the two groups. Despite the adjustment for age, smoking status, and underlying diseases, the statistical significance was unchanged. In the specific counting of the type of capillaries, the exposed group had a significantly higher total crossing count but fewer total branching count than the control group did. However, no statistical significance resulted after adjustment for age, smoking status, and underlying diseases. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the exposed group had significantly more crossing capillaries and a higher crossing count than the control group did.

Effects of progressive relaxation training on the nailfold microcirculation for psychological stress state population / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the effects of progressive relaxation training on the nailfold microcirculation for psychological stress state population .Methods According to the mental health screening criteria ,60 cases of psychological healthy individuals were selected as the research object ,took the attention distribution test as psychological stress stimulation ,test self rating anxiety scale(SAS) and nailfold microcirculation function changes of test before and after stress .60 cases were divided into intervention group and normal control group ,30 cases in each group .The intervention group adopted progressive relaxation training intervention after stress ,while normal control group taking natural rest ,then detected the change of nailfold microcirculation .Results The SAS level and the nailfold microcirculation parameters before and after stress between the two groups were significantly different (P0 .05) .Conclusion Progressive relaxation training can effectively improve the microcirculation state of the psychological stress a-mong people ,under certain conditions ,the effective intervention to the stress state population can influence the microcirculation .

Reduction of the Nailfold Capillary Blood Velocity in Cigarette Smokers / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking causes cardiovascular disease and activates markers of endothelial dysfunction or injury. We investigated the nailfold capillary blood velocity (NCV) in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers. METHODS: Forty-eight men (eighteen non-smokers and thirty smokers) were recruited. We measured NCV using nailfold capillary microscopy and exhaled carbon monoxide (ECO) concentration three times (before smoking; NCV0min and ECO0min, and after smoking; NCV5min, ECO5min, NCV30min, and ECO30min), in a condition of fasting in the case of smokers. In non-smokers, the same measurements were taken without smoking. Additionally, personal cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking history were acquired by a self-administrated questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean age, waist circumference, ECO0min, ECO5min, and ECO30min was higher and NCV5min and NCV30min were significantly lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. Total smoking years were negatively correlated with NCV5min. Average pack of the daily smoking, total pack-years, as well as total smoking years were also negatively correlated with NCV30min by regression analysis. After adjustment of significantly different variables, NCV30min was significantly lower in smokers. In the subgroup analysis, the interleukin-6 level was significantly increased in subjects with a long period of cigarette smoking compared with non-smokers. CONCLUSION: Reduction of NCV in smokers is associated with personal smoking history, not with body composition or certain oxidative stress markers.