Nailfold capillaroscopy of healthy individuals - An observational study

Background: Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a noninvasive quick method to visualize capillaries in the nailfold. There is paucity of these studies in healthy individuals in skin of color. Aim: To evaluate the morphological characteristics and density of nailfold capillaries in healthy individuals. Settings and Design: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology at a tertiary care hospital. About 150 healthy individuals by consecutive sampling were included in the study. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 healthy individuals aged between 20 and 60 years were enrolled from January 2021 to September 2021 after consenting to the study protocol and qualifying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. NFC was performed for various morphological parameters and mean capillary density was also calculated. Comparison was done in male vs female, age group 20-40 vs 41-60, and body mass index (BMI) <24.9 vs >25. Statistical Analysis: Different morphological parameters and capillary density were recorded and analyzed. The Mann-Whitney and Pearson's chi square was used according to type of data. Results: The study observed tortuous capillaries (45.33%), meandering capillaries (44.66%), neoangiogenesis (38.66%), plexus visibility (36.66%), dilated capillaries (33.33%), receding capillaries (31.33%), angulated capillaries (14.66%), and ramified capillaries (6.6%). The study found significantly decreased plexus visibility in those with BMI >25.Tortuous and receding capillaries were significantly increased in age group >40 years. Conclusion: Various capillary morphological findings can be present in normal individuals but their presence in more number of fingers should be considered to be pathological. This data on normal morphology and capillary density add to the physiological NFC findings and thus aid in identifying the abnormalities.