The last two days of life of nursing home patients--a nationwide study on causes of death and burdensome symptoms in The Netherlands. Palliat Med 2006; 20:533. Wright AA, Keating NL, Balboni TA, et al. Place of death: correlations with quality of life of patients with cancer and predictors of bereaved caregivers' mental health.
1. Respiratory Health Issues. Downward curved fingernails can indicate a problem with respiratory health, and are often present in people who have medical conditions such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma and lung cancer. Fingernails often curve downwards as a result of lack of oxygen.
In Dupuytren's contracture, the palmar fascia within the hand becomes abnormally thick, which can cause the fingers to curl and can impair finger function. The main function of the palmar fascia is to increase grip strength; thus, over time, Dupuytren's contracture decreases patients' ability to hold objects.