Decreased capillary density in juvenile dermatomyositis and in mixed connective tissue disease.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether quantitative capillary microscopy is a useful tool to evaluate capillary abnormalities in children with connective tissue diseases.


METHODS
Eight children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), 6 with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and 23 healthy children were investigated with computer based quantitative capillary microscopy. Median disease duration was 1 year among JDM (1-4) and 3 years (1-7) among MCTD.


RESULTS
Capillary density was decreased in JDM [median 2.5 (1.4-4.3) loops/mm (p < 0.001)] and in MCTD [median 5.0 (4.1-7.0) loops/mm (p < 0.05)] compared to healthy controls [median 6.8 (5.3-8.0) loops/mm]. Median capillary loop area was increased in JDM [median 8.5 (3.0-15.8) 10(-3) mm2 (p < 0.001)] and in MCTD [median 4.5 (3.0-6.0) 10(-3) mm2 (p < 0.02)] compared to controls [median 2.5 (1.0-4.0) 10(-3) mm2].


CONCLUSIONS
Quantitative nailfold capillary microscopy is a sensitive indicator of JDM. In MCTD this technique is less discriminative.
Scheja
A
A
Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital at Lund, Sweden.
Elborgh
R
R
Wildt
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002196:Capillaries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008947:Mixed Connective Tissue Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009262:Nails / Q000098:blood supply; D012039:Regional Blood Flow