title: X-ray microanalysis of the fingernails in cirrhotic patients.
abstract: The element content of clipped nails of 13 patients with liver cirrhosis was examined by X-ray microanalysis, and compared with that of 50 healthy subjects. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the percentage of Na, Mg and P and a slight, but statistically significant decrease in S and Cl. The percentage of K, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn did not show any difference from that of the controls. The findings indicate that X-ray microanalysis may be a valuable tool for the simultaneous examination of a large number of elements in the fingernails.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D004602:Elements / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009262:Nails / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D004602:Elements