RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Nailfold Capillaroscopy in PH

This study, called 'Nailfold Capillaroscopy in PH', is looking for a simpler way to check on people who have high blood pressure in their lungs, known as pulmonary hypertension (PH). Currently, diagnosing and monitoring PH often involves several tests, including an invasive procedure where a tube is put into a vein to measure lung pressure. Researchers want to see if a simple, non-invasive scan of the tiny blood vessels under your fingernails, called 'Nailfold Capillaroscopy', can give similar information. They will check if these nail vessel measurements match the lung pressures and if they change after people start medication for PH. This could help doctors better understand how PH treatments are working without needing as many invasive tests.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Glasgow

Enrolment target

Start

20 May 2026

Estimated completion

02 Aug 2028

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group 1 PH)Pulmonary Hypertension (World Health Organization Group 3)Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

What is this study about?

Imagine the blood vessels in your lungs as a network of tiny pipes. In pulmonary hypertension (PH), these pipes become narrow, making it harder for your heart to pump blood through them. This puts a lot of strain on the right side of your heart and can be very serious. Currently, doctors often need to do a special test called a right heart catheterisation (RHC) to measure these pressures accurately, which involves inserting a thin tube into a large vein.

This study is exploring a much simpler method: looking at the tiny blood vessels just under your fingernails. This is called 'Nailfold Capillaroscopy'. We know that in some conditions like scleroderma (which can cause PH), these small vessels in the nails can look abnormal. The researchers want to find out if these changes in your nail vessels can give clues about what's happening in your lungs, and whether they improve when you start treatment for PH. If so, it could offer a less invasive way to monitor the condition.

The main aim is to see if the measurements from your nail vessels match the readings from the invasive RHC test in different types of PH. They also want to see if, in people with PH linked to scleroderma, these nail vessel changes improve with treatment. Ultimately, the hope is that this easy scan could help doctors understand how well treatments are working for PH, providing a clearer picture without constant invasive tests.

Key takeaways

This study uses a simple nail scan to learn about high blood pressure in the lungs.
It aims to find a less invasive way to monitor PH and its treatment.
The nail scan is safe, painless, and takes less than 30 minutes.
Your medical treatment for PH will not be affected by taking part.
Results could help doctors better understand and treat PH in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with certain types of high blood pressure in the lungs (Pulmonary Hypertension, specifically Group 1, 3 or 4 PH). We are especially interested in people who are about to start new medication for their PH or are changing their current treatment.

We would particularly like to include people with PH who also have scleroderma (a condition that affects connective tissue). We also aim to include many people with a common type of PH not linked to scleroderma.

You wouldn't be able to join if you have other types of PH (Group 2 or 5), if you're under 18, or if you can't have the nail scan for reasons like having a missing finger or severe hand problems. Also, if you're already on the highest dose of PH medication, or if doctors expect your life expectancy to be very short (less than 4 months), you won't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have Group 1, 3, or 4 Pulmonary Hypertension?
Are you about to start new PH medication or change your current treatment?
Can you have your fingernails examined (no missing fingers, severe hand problems)?
Are you *not* on the highest possible dose of PH medication already?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, we will use a special camera (like a microscope) connected to a laptop to look closely at the tiny blood vessels under your fingernails. This is called a Nailfold Capillaroscopy scan. It's completely painless, doesn't use radiation, and usually takes less than 30 minutes. We'll send the images to experts at the University of Manchester for analysis.

If you're starting new medication for your PH, we'll repeat this scan after you begin your treatment. This helps us see if the treatment causes any changes in your nail blood vessels. We will compare the results from before and after treatment, and also look at differences between various types of PH. You will continue to receive your usual medical care and follow-ups from your doctors as normal throughout the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, as the nail scan is for research purposes to understand your condition better. However, it might help future patients with PH by finding a simpler way to monitor their treatment. The nail scan itself is very safe, non-invasive, and has no known risks. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

NHS Golden Jubilee
Verified postcode
Clydebank, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is pulmonary hypertension (PH)?

It's a serious condition where the blood pressure in the arteries leading from your heart to your lungs is too high. This makes your heart work harder.

What is a 'Nailfold Capillaroscopy'?

It's a simple, painless test using a special camera to look at the tiny blood vessels just under your fingernails. It takes about 30 minutes.

Will this study change my medical treatment?

No, your doctors will continue to manage your PH treatment as usual. This study is purely for research to see if the nail scan can provide extra information.

Are there any side effects from the nail scan?

No, the nail scan is completely safe and non-invasive. There are no known side effects or risks from having it done.

How long will I be in the study?

The study involves an initial scan, and then a repeat scan if you start new PH medication. The total time depends on your treatment plan, but each scan is a short visit.

How to find out more

William J Kerrigan, BA BMBCh MRCP

w.kerrigan.1@research.gla.ac.uk 0141 951 5497 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.