Bringing quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy into the clinic
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Bringing quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy into the clinic
IRAS ID
210028
Contact name
Ariane Herrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease that causes fibrosis (thickening and hardening) of the skin and internal organs, and is associated with changes in the small blood vessels (known as the microvasculature). Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) involves episodic colour changes of the skin in the hands and feet due to cold environments or emotional stress. Patients with SSc usually suffer from RP as a secondary condition, although primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) is also often seen in patients without SSc. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is an imaging technique widely used to examine the microvasculature noninvasively at the nailfold.
The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of acquiring and analysing images from low-cost nailfold capillaroscopy devices (e.g., a digital camera with lens attachment), bringing quantitative low-cost NC within the reach of the general rheumatology clinic.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
16/WS/0212
Date of REC Opinion
6 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion