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Yellow nail syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis: report of three cases
Abstract:
We report the occurrence of the yellow nail syndrome in 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In 2 patients the development of the syndrome was related to severe chest infections, and there was evidence of immunodeficiency, consisting in 1 case of a persistently low serum IgA level and in the other of a generalised marrow suppression. The third patient gave a history of recurrent sinusitis and showed evidence of previous chest infections and pulmonary fibrosis, but has no gross evidence of immunodeficiency. We have found only 1 previous brief mention of a patient with the yellow nail syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
Insights
Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) can occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes linked to infections and immunodeficiency. This study highlights a rare association between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare disorder affecting nails, lymphedema, and respiratory system.
- The association between RA and YNS is infrequently reported.
Observation:
- This study observed three patients with rheumatoid arthritis who developed yellow nail syndrome.
- Two patients had severe chest infections and signs of immunodeficiency, including low serum IgA and bone marrow suppression.
- The third patient had a history of sinusitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and prior chest infections without overt immunodeficiency.
Findings:
- The occurrence of yellow nail syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients is reported.
- Immunodeficiency and severe infections may contribute to YNS development in RA patients.
- This study adds to the limited literature on the co-occurrence of RA and YNS.
Implications:
- Understanding the link between RA, YNS, and immunodeficiency may improve patient diagnosis and management.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of YNS in RA.
- This highlights the importance of considering YNS in RA patients with respiratory symptoms or nail changes.