The influence of age on nailfold capillary dimensions in childhood

Objective. To identify the influence of age on nailfold capillary dimension s in children between 6 and 15 years. Methods. Capillary density (the number of capillaries in a 3 mm length of t he distal row) and capillary dimensions were measured in 110 healthy childr en using the technique of nailfold video microscopy. The age groups studied were as follows: 6 to 7 years (17 children), 8 to 9 years (15 children), 1 0 to 11 years (34 children), 12 to 13 years (24 children), and 14 to 15 yea rs (20 children). Results. There was a significant trend for the arterial and venous diameter s to rise with age. However, this trend was not present for apical or loop diameters, nor for the capillary density. Results did not differ between ma les and females. Conclusion, In studies incorporating capillary dimensions in children, resu lts should ideally be age adjusted, and dimensions should not be categorize d as normal or abnormal without taking the child's age into account.