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Related Experiment Videos

Nail abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis

C Michel1, B Cribier, J Sibilia

  • 1Clinique Dermatologique des Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.

The British Journal of Dermatology
|February 21, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Longitudinal ridging and clubbing are the most specific nail abnormalities linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This controlled study highlights key nail changes that can aid in RA diagnosis.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Rheumatology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Nail abnormalities are often associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • The diagnostic specificity of these nail changes in RA has not been rigorously evaluated.
  • A controlled study is needed to determine the frequency and specificity of nail changes in RA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the frequency and specificity of nail abnormalities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • To compare nail changes in RA patients against a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A case-controlled study was conducted with 50 RA patients and 50 controls.
  • A general skin examination and detailed nail assessment of all 20 nails were performed for each participant.
  • Statistical analysis using chi-squared or Fisher's exact test was employed to compare groups.

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Main Results:

  • Longitudinal ridging on 9 or 10 fingernails was significantly more frequent in RA patients (29) than controls (3) (P < 0.001).
  • Clubbing of at least one nail was also significantly associated with RA (24 patients vs. 10 controls, P < 0.01).
  • Other observed nail changes were not frequent enough to reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:

  • Longitudinal ridging on fingernails is a significant nail abnormality associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Clubbing is another nail change that shows a significant association with RA.
  • These specific nail findings may assist in the clinical assessment of rheumatoid arthritis.