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Nailfold Capillaroscopy of Healthy Individuals - An Observational Study
Amitkumar R Gorasiya1, Hita H Mehta1, Arjun Prakashey1
1Department of Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India.
Indian Dermatology Online Journal
|October 28, 2022
Summary
Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) reveals common capillary variations in healthy individuals, including tortuous and meandering patterns. This data helps differentiate normal findings from pathological signs in various age groups and BMIs.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microcirculation Research
Background:
- Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a noninvasive technique for visualizing nailfold capillaries.
- Limited studies exist on NFC findings in healthy individuals with skin of color.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the morphological characteristics of nailfold capillaries in healthy individuals.
- To determine the capillary density in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 150 healthy adults (aged 20-60).
- NFC was performed to assess morphological parameters and calculate mean capillary density.
- Data was analyzed comparing males vs. females, age groups (20-40 vs. 41-60), and BMI (<24.9 vs. >25).
Main Results:
- Common findings included tortuous (45.33%), meandering (44.66%), and neoangiogenesis (38.66%) capillaries.
- Decreased plexus visibility was noted in individuals with BMI > 25.
- Increased tortuous and receding capillaries were observed in individuals over 40 years old.
Conclusions:
- Morphological variations in nailfold capillaries are common in healthy individuals.
- Contextualizing findings based on the number of affected fingers is crucial for distinguishing normal from pathological.
- This study provides baseline physiological data for NFC, aiding in the identification of abnormalities.
