CAPILLARY MICROSCOPY IN SOME COLLAGEN DISORDERS

Abstract

This study was conducted on three groups of patients suffering from collagen diseases: 28 patients with scleroderma, 18 patients with dermatomyositis, and 28 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Ten normal subjects were chosen as a control group.

This study included history taking , full clinical eHamination, sedimentation rate, antinuclear antibodies, anti-Sci 78, CPK, and nailfold capillary microscopy.

In scleroderma group, a high ESR, positiue antinuclear antibodies and positiue anti-Sci 78 were encountered in eight patients(40%). Slcin changes were euident in all sclerodermatous patients( I 08%). Pulmonary Interstitial fibrosis was found in 8 patients(48%), while renal affection was present in 3 patients( 15%).

We found that high ESR, slcin, pulmonary and renal affection were associated with more seuere capillaroscopic findings in patients with scleroderma.