New image capture methods for nailfold capillaroscopy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validating a new nailfold capillary microscopy system for imaging vessel structure and measuring blood flow - a comparative study of patients with systemic sclerosis, those with Primary Raynaud's phenomenon, and healthy control subjects
IRAS ID
136637
Contact name
Ariane Herrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease that causes fibrosis (thickening and hardening) of the skin and internal organs. Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), an episodic colour change of the skin in the hands and feet due to cold environments or emotional stress, occurs due to changes in small blood vessels in the skin, known as the microvasculature. 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 is an imaging technique widely used to examine the microvasculature noninvasively at the nailfold.
This study builds on previous work and aims to test and validate the use of a new semi-automated microscope system in capturing images of the nailfold capillaries. The study also aims to assess new software scoring tools for partially automating the assessment of images captured during the study.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1436
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion