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Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): a Point-of-Care Tool That Parallels Disease Activity and Predicts Future Complications

  • Lupus (S Keeling, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular complications, endothelial cell injury with subsequent dysfunction. Nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) is a non-invasive and reliable point-of-care method that can be used to directly visualize microscopic digital capillaries and monitor patients. In this review, we will describe NVC’s role in assessing SLE disease activity and prognosticating risk for developing vascular complications.

Recent Findings

In SLE, qualitative NVC changes like the presence of microhemorrhages and enlarged capillaries correlate with disease activity. These abnormalities are also associated with specific autoantibody profiles (e.g., anti-phospholipid and anti-U1-RNP antibodies). Recent studies show NVC changes may increase risks of digital ulceration, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and accelerated cardiovascular disease.

Summary

NVC may be used in personalized medicine as an adjunct in assessing SLE activity which may help prognosticate risk of serious complications, but more studies are needed to further delineate its role in specific SLE disease subtypes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 8-130 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada

    Shahna Tariq, Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert & Mohammed Osman

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  1. Shahna Tariq
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  2. Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert
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  3. Mohammed Osman
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Correspondence to Mohammed Osman.

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Shahna Tariq declares that there are no conflicts of interest.

Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert declares that there are no conflicts of interest.

Mohammed Osman declares that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Tariq, S., Tervaert, J.W.C. & Osman, M. Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): a Point-of-Care Tool That Parallels Disease Activity and Predicts Future Complications. Curr Treat Options in Rheum 5, 336–345 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40674-019-00133-x

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