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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy
Published on: October 27, 2015
The influence of age on nailfold capillary dimensions in childhood
A L Herrick1, T Moore, S Hollis
1University of Manchester Rheumatic Diseases Centre, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK.
Insights
Age influences nailfold capillary dimensions in children. Arterial and venous diameters increase with age, but capillary density and other dimensions do not. Age adjustments are crucial for interpreting results in pediatric studies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric microcirculation research
- Developmental physiology
- Nailfold videodermatoscopy applications
Background:
- Nailfold capillary dimensions are important indicators of microvascular health.
- Understanding age-related changes in pediatric capillary morphology is essential for accurate clinical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of age on nailfold capillary dimensions in healthy children aged 6 to 15 years.
- To establish normative data for capillary density and dimensions across different pediatric age groups.
Main Methods:
- Nailfold video microscopy was employed to measure capillary density and dimensions in 110 healthy children.
- Participants were stratified into distinct age cohorts ranging from 6-7 to 14-15 years.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in arterial and venous capillary diameters was observed with advancing age.
- No significant age-related trends were found for apical or loop capillary diameters, nor for capillary density.
- Capillary dimensions did not differ between male and female participants.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric capillary dimensions, particularly arterial and venous diameters, exhibit age-dependent variations.
- Age-adjusted analysis is recommended when interpreting nailfold capillary measurements in children.
- Establishing age-specific reference ranges is vital for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of microvascular conditions in pediatric populations.
Objective:
To identify the influence of age on nailfold capillary dimensions in children between 6 and 15 years.
Methods:
Capillary density (the number of capillaries in a 3 mm length of the distal row) and capillary dimensions were measured in 110 healthy children using the technique of nailfold video microscopy. The age groups studied were as follows: 6 to 7 years (17 children), 8 to 9 years (15 children), 10 to 11 years (34 children), 12 to 13 years (24 children), and 14 to 15 years (20 children).
Results:
There was a significant trend for the arterial and venous diameters to rise with age. However, this trend was not present for apical or loop diameters, nor for the capillary density. Results did not differ between males and females.
Conclusion:
In studies incorporating capillary dimensions in children, results should ideally be age adjusted, and dimensions should not be categorized as normal or abnormal without taking the child's age into account.
