Relation between nailfold capillaroscopic pattern (assessed using a dermoscope) and organ involvement in systemic sclerosis

Objectives: The objectives of the study were: (1) To document the nailfold capillary changes (using a dermoscope) in patients with systemic sclerosis attending a tertiary care center, (2) to study the relation between nailfold capillaroscopic pattern and skin sclerosis assessed by modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), and (3) to study the relation between nailfold capillaroscopic pattern and organ involvement in systemic sclerosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 patients with systemic sclerosis who attended the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care center from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018. Nailfold capillaries were examined with the help of dinolite dermoscope AM4113ZT at 50× and 200× magnification, under polarized light. Results: Study participants included 34 (85%) females and 6 males (15%). The nailfold capillaroscopy showed “early scleroderma pattern” in 3 (7.5%) “active pattern” in 28 (70%) and “late pattern” in 9 (22.5%) patients. “Late scleroderma pattern” showed a significant association with disease duration, mRSS, and mean number of organs affected. Limitations: The study participants may be over-representing advanced cases since the study was conducted among patients attending a tertiary referral center. Conclusion: We found dermoscope to be a useful tool to study the nailfold capillary changes in patients with systemic sclerosis as reported by others. Late scleroderma pattern may serve as an indicator of high mRSS and involvement of more number of organs in systemic sclerosis.