Nailfold capillary density in 140 untreated children with juvenile dermatomyositis: an indicator of disease activity.

Decreased JDM ERL density is associated with increased clinical symptoms; nailfold hemorrhages are associated with dysphagia. Duration of untreated disease symptoms and MSA, modify NFC shape. We speculate nailfold characteristics are useful indicators of disease activity in children with JDM before start of therapy.