Role of dermal ridge configuration in early detection of congenital anomalies

ABSTRACT

Early identification of congenital anomalies at birth is very important for genetic counseling and possible prevention. Often, malformations of hands are cardinal manifestations of many multiple anomalies syndromes. This work was designed to study dermatoglyphics as an additive marker for the diagnosis of associated congenital anomalies of newborns as well as of children. All cases and controls under study were subjected to a-Complete medical history taking. b-Full clinical examination. c- Descriptive analysis of palm and sole creases as well as finger prints in each case using photography analysis. 1- Using chi-square test there was no statistically significant difference between the two study groups, regarding consanguinity [p<0.05, X[2] = 0.23]. Comparison between controls and cases as regards pattern count in digits in both hands revealed increased incidence of loops open to ulnar side [LU] in cases [556] compared to [342] in controls. 2- There is no statistically significant difference as regards mean digit ridge count in cases group compared to controls [p > 0.05, t -0.911]. 3- Comparison between cases and controls as regards the [Atd] angle, using t-test, revealed no statistically significant difference in mean count [p > 0.05, t for left hand -1.729 and for right hand -1.232]. 4- Classification of cases and controls according to [x] axial triradius using Chi-square test revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards the distribution of axial triradius in both hands [p> 0.05, X[2] 2.60]. 5- Comparison between controls and cases as regards the TRC of toe using student's t-test revealed high statistically significant difference in mean count in cases when compared to controls [p < 0.05, t -5.114]. The findings of this study showed that dermatoglyphics analysis can not be relied upon as a diagnostic aid in evaluating the newborn having chromosomal aberrations, but it can be used as screening aid for chromosomal aberrations