A condition due to faster matrix turnover. It is quite common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a study of 119
RA patients and an equal number of controls, “global” beading (i.e., involving >50% of the nail) on at least six fingernails (or four toenails) was highly suggestive of underlying disease, with a positive predictive value of 95%. Beading, however, is uncommon in early RA, thus limiting its diagnostic value. Beading can occur
with itraconazole too, since this also increases nail growth.
RA patients and an equal number of controls, “global” beading (i.e., involving >50% of the nail) on at least six fingernails (or four toenails) was highly suggestive of underlying disease, with a positive predictive value of 95%. Beading, however, is uncommon in early RA, thus limiting its diagnostic value. Beading can occur
with itraconazole too, since this also increases nail growth.