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Nail changes in systemic diseases : A clinical study of 435 cases
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Wenlock District Hospital, Mangalore - 575 001, India.
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|October 6, 2010
Summary
Nail changes can indicate underlying diseases. This study found common nail abnormalities like clubbing and melanonychia in 134 patients, with a unique red crescent sign in HIV-associated tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nail changes are frequently indicative of systemic health conditions.
- A significant portion of patients admitted to medical and surgical wards exhibit nail abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of nail changes in hospitalized patients.
- To identify potential associations between specific nail findings and underlying diseases.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted on 435 patients across Medical, Surgical, and Obstetric/Gynaecology wards.
- Nail examinations were performed to document the presence and characteristics of any observed changes.
Main Results:
- Nail changes were observed in 134 (30.8%) of the studied patients.
- The most frequent nail changes included clubbing (21.3%), longitudinal melanonychia (17.2%), and platonychia (14.2%).
- A distinctive red "crescent sign" was noted in association with clubbing in patients co-infected with HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Conclusions:
- Nail assessment is a valuable, non-invasive tool for detecting internal diseases.
- Specific nail findings, such as the red crescent sign in HIV-TB patients, may aid in diagnosing complex conditions.
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