[Nailfold capillaroscopy in normal children between 0 and 16 years of age].

BACKGROUND

Nailfold capillaroscopy is a technique used in childhood and adults for morpho-functional study of peripheral microcirculation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the evolution of the microcirculation.

METHODS

Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed in eighty-six healthy children (48 boys and 38 girls) aged 5 months to 16 years. All the subjects were divided into 5 groups for age.

RESULTS

A progressive morphological and dynamic development of peripheral microcirculation in the early years of life was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, nailfold capillaroscopy is a simple, noninvasive, easily repetitive method which allows to observe the physiological development and a possible pathology of naifold capillaries.