Dermatoglyphics an attempt to predict downs syndrome

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the role of Dermatoglyphics in early detection of Downs syndrome, so 50 cases of Downs Syndrome (Between the age of 8 years and 18 years) were selected from schools of Mentally retarded children as DISHA and PRAYAS from Jaipur (Rajasthan) & compared with 50 controls for the establishment of correlation between two groups by presence and absence of specific dermatoglyphic patterns. Hand prints were taken by Indian ink method and examined for C-line pattern (qualitative parameter) & distal deviation of Axial triradii (quantitative parameter). In C- line pattern, radial pattern frequency is 58% on right side & 42% on left side in controls as compared as 68% on right side and 58% on left side in patients respectively. Although the difference is statistically insignificant but pattern frequency is more in patients then controls in both hands which showed that in future if more numbers of cases would be compared with controls for c- line pattern then they will differed significantly. Some genetic or non genetic factors which produces disorders by influencing foetal development during early intrauterine life, may also bring about a significant alteration in dermatoglyphics. The results showed that Radial C-line patterns are observed maximum in patients than controls. Absent type pattern is minimum (6% left side) in controls as compared to proximal pattern (6 % on right side) in patients but statistically insignificant. Simian creases are seen in patient’s hands only. The right & left “l” and “d” were significantly higher in patients than controls (P< 0.001).Both right and left sides showed statically significant increase in d/l % frequency in patients than controls( P< 0.001).The findings indicate that dermatoglyphic abnormality may be used as diagnostic tool for predicting the possibilities of development of Down syndrome at later date.