What causes Muehrcke lines?

Nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, liver diseases, and malnutrition are the most common, with nephrotic syndrome being the most common cause reported by Muehrcke. Other cases include periods of high metabolic stress (e.g., systemic inflections, AIDS). Trauma may also cause Muehrcke’s nails.

What are Mees lines on fingernails?

Mees’ lines (also known as Aldrich or Reynolds’ lines) are transverse white bands on the nail plate laid down during periods of stress. Common associations are poisioning (arsenic, thallium, fluorosis), severe infection, renal disease, cardiac failure, and malignant disease.

Are Muehrcke’s lines serious?

Muehrcke’s lines are a strong indicator of hypoalbuminemia, which can result from a variety of different causes. The lines are actually in the vascular bed underneath the nail plate.

How are Muehrcke lines treated?

In patients presenting with paired, white, transverse lines due to a serum albumin deficiency, albumin infusions to raise the serum level aid in the disappearance of Muehrcke lines. Treatment of the underlying disease additionally aids in correcting the abnormal serum albumin levels.

What are the characteristics of Muehrcke’s nails?

Some characteristics of Muehrcke’s lines are: White bands go across the entire nail from side to side. Lines are usually most clearly seen on the second, third, and fourth fingers. The nail bed looks healthy in between the lines. The lines do not move as the nail grows. The lines do not cause dents in the nail.

What do you need to know about Muehrcke’s lines?

In patients with Muehrcke’s lines, albumin levels should be checked, and a work-up done if the level is low. Splinter hemorrhage in patients with heart murmur and unexplained fever can herald endocarditis. Patients with telangiectasia, koilonychia, or pitting of the nails may have connective tissue disorders.

When do Muehrcke’s lines of the fingernails go away?

However, Muehrcke’s lines most often occur in those with too little albumin. If your albumin level is too low, you may be given albumin through a vein (by IV, or intravenously). The lines tend to go away when your albumin level returns to normal, or near normal.

Why did Muehrcke’s nails grow on Mount Everest?

In extreme conditions, Muehrcke’s lines may also arise from physical changes in peripheral circulation: one case study reported appearance of the lines in a healthy subject following ascent to 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) on Mount Everest.