Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
08:50
5/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat
Published on: July 3, 2013
Brown nail-bed arcs and chronic renal disease
British Medical Journal
|March 25, 1972
Summary
A distinctive brown arc near the nail bed was observed in 35% of chronic renal disease patients, significantly higher than the general population. This finding suggests kidney disease may predispose individuals to developing these pigmented nail changes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Dermatology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Nail changes can be indicative of underlying systemic diseases.
- Pigmentation abnormalities in nails are less commonly studied in the context of chronic renal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of a specific brown arc on the fingernail bed in patients with chronic renal disease.
- To compare this incidence with that in a control group of unselected patients.
Main Methods:
- Observational study comparing nail findings in chronic renal disease patients versus a general patient cohort.
- Visual examination of fingernails to identify the presence of a distal brown arc.
Main Results:
- A brown arc was identified in 12 out of 34 (35%) patients with chronic renal disease.
- The incidence of this pigmented nail arc in unselected patients was less than 2%.
- No clear correlation was found between the arc's presence and the severity of renal impairment.
Conclusions:
- Chronic renal disease appears to be a predisposing factor for the development of brown nail arcs.
- The observed pigmentation may be related to lipochromes, but further research is needed.
- Brown nail arcs represent a potential clinical sign associated with kidney disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Nephrons
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...
01:20Renal Corpuscle
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...