Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026
Observational study of nailfold capillaroscopy features in hypertension,diabetes Mellitus,stroke,and chronic kidney disease: Associations and potential for early detection in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders
To assess nailfold capillary (NFC) features in hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) versus healthy controls, and explore relationships between abnormalities.
Methods
Observational study of 162 participants (69 M/93F, mean age 39.7 ± 13.16y). NFC evaluated vessel clarity, tubular collateral number/length, input/output tab diameters, apex diameter/width, granular flow rate, blood color ratio, perfused capillary density (PCD) in five groups.
Results
Significant differences found vs. controls: DM group had reduced tubular collateral length and input tab diameter; Stroke group had reduced tubular collateral length and apex width, plus altered blood color distribution; CKD group had reduced vessel clarity; The PCD was significantly reduced in the hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke groups(P < 0.01). Well-point sites had fewer tubular collaterals than non-well-point sites.
Conclusions
Specific NFC parameters (capillary length, width, blood color, clarity) provide reference values for assessing these cardiovascular/metabolic disorders. Well-point NFC may aid early detection/prevention.
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