{
  "abstract": "Introduction Systemic Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition which is characterised by microvascular damage and progressive fibrosis. Raynaud’s Phenomenon (RP) is often the earliest symptom in patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Nailfold Capillaroscopy (NFC) is a well validated, non-invasive tool to assess Raynaud’s phenomenon, through assessment of microvascular damage.In this context, the study aim was to show the validity of NFC, in the workup of patients with Raynaud’s Phenomenon. The use of NFC enables the identification of a scleroderma pattern therefore enabling the early diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis, which will lead to prompt treatment and reduced mortality.Material and Methods A retrospective study was conducted looking at all new patients referred for NFC testing in a dedicated Capillaroscopy clinic over a 12-month period (2024-2025). After NFC testing, the patients were divided into two groups: Primary RP and Secondary RP. Patient characteristics, clinical examination findings, immunological profile and the VEDOSS criteria were analysed between the two groups.Results In total, 72 patients had NFC testing for the assessment of RP. Out of these 62/72 (86%) were diagnosed with Primary RP, with negative ANA and normal microvasculature on NFC testing. 10/72 (13.9%) were diagnosed with Secondary RP. In this group, 8/10 were diagnosed with Limited SSc, 1/10 with Dermatomyositis (DM) and 1/10 with likely Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). Table 1 highlights patient characteristics between Primary RP and Secondary RP.In the Secondary RP group, ANA positivity was prevalent in 90% of patients. The most common ANA pattern was Anti-centromere present in 50% of patients, Speckled in 20% and Nucleolar in 20%. 80% of patients had a scleroderma pattern, and patients with DM and MCTD 2/10 had a scleroderma-like pattern on NFC testing. ANA and ENA positivity, puffy hands and skin tightening were more common in the Secondary RP group. One patient had a negative ANA but scleroderma pattern on NFC testing. 40% of patients in the Secondary RP group met the VEDOSS criteria which has been in recent trials shown to predict major clinical events in the first 5 years after diagnosis. The most common NFC abnormalities were giant capillaries and haemorrhages which are found in an early scleroderma pattern.Conclusions In summary, the use of NFC enabled the assessment of RP and the early diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis in 13.9% of patients, which led to the early treatment and assessment of SSc-associated organ involvement.Abstract P.200 Figure 1Abstract P.200 Table 1Differences between primary RP and secondary RP (n=72)",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Mahima Charan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincoln, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Khin Aung"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincoln, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Shaza Obaid"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincoln, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Batsi Chikura"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P.200 The validity of nailfold capillaroscopy in the assessment of raynaud’s phenomenon",
  "uid": "5bb9eb07-4de3-5c28-af66-ab38b2a1317e"
}