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The Relationship Between Nailfold Microcirculation and Retinal Microcirculation in Healthy Subjects
Jiaxin Tian1, Yuan Xie1, Meng Li1
1Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Physiology
|August 15, 2020
Summary
Nailfold microcirculation abnormalities, like lower capillary density, are linked to reduced retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and vessel density in healthy individuals. This suggests a connection between peripheral and ocular microvasculature.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microcirculation Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The study investigated the relationship between nailfold microcirculation and retinal microcirculation in healthy subjects.
- Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR 1800017875.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if nailfold microcirculation is associated with retinal microcirculation in healthy individuals.
- To explore potential diagnostic markers for ocular diseases.
Main Methods:
- Fifty healthy subjects underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and vessel density (VD).
- Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) examined nailfold microcirculation, including capillary density and avascular zones.
- Multivariate regression analyses were used to correlate findings.
Main Results:
- Reduced nailfold capillary density was directly associated with lower RNFL thickness.
- Increased nailfold avascular zones correlated with reduced RNFL thickness and radial peripapillary capillary VD.
- Dilated nailfold capillaries were negatively associated with superficial macular VD.
Conclusions:
- Nailfold microcirculation status is linked to retinal microcirculation in healthy individuals.
- NFC and OCTA may aid in early diagnosis and risk identification for ocular and systemic diseases with microvascular involvement.
- Findings support further research into microvascular abnormalities in ocular and systemic conditions.
