DIGITAL DERMATOGLYPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN PATIENTS WITH SEX HORMONES ANOMALIES

Abstract

Background : Dermatoglyphics are the dermal ridge configurations on digits ,palms and soles.Dermatoglyphic polymorphism results from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.The dermatoglyphic analysis is a valuable completion of initial diagnosis of some syndromes anddiseases that are genetically determined. Our objective was to assess the relationship betweendigital dermatoglyphic patterns and sex hormones anomalies.Methods : Dermatoglyphic pattern type frequencies (qualitative analysis ), total and absolute ridgecounts (quantitative analysis )and left /right asymmetry were assessed for 54 males with sexhormones anomalies and 55 controls .Results : Dermatoglyphics pattern type frequencies were altered in patients with sexhormones anomalies versus controls . In particular, there was an increase and decrease of whorls(38.2% vs. 33.5%) and ulnar loops (51.7% vs. 58.5%) respectively. The differences weresignificant ( χ2 = 10.335 ; D.F. = 3 ; P ≤0.05 ) .In quantitative analysis , patients showeda higher mean ridges count than controls in both; the TRC (159.81 } 5.46 vs. 144.61 } 5.84 ) andARC (213.72 } 11.19 vs. 187.96 } 11.07 ) respectively ,and a significant difference was observedin TRC analysis (t = 1.899 ; d.f. = 107 ; p = 0.06 ). Among patients with sex hormones anomalies44.44% of them had a higher ridge counts on the left hand than on right hand versus 38% incontrols .Conclusion: Our results supported the hypothesis that prenatal sex hormones levels may have asignificant effect on the development of dermatoglyphics.