Can dermatoglyphics be used as an anatomical marker in Egyptian rheumatoid patients?

ABSTRACT

To find out a possible correlation of some quantitative and qualitative dermatoglyphic variables with rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and it's radiological grading. This study was conducted on 60 RA patients and an equal number of controls. Different qualitative dermatoglyphic patterns [ulnar and radial loops, whorls and arches] and quantitative dermatoglyphic measures [total finger ridge count, pattern intensity and a-b ridge count] in addition to palmer creases were studied in both groups. Correlation between significant dermatoglyphic changes in RA patients and radiological changes were studied. Loops were the most common type of the qualitative dermatoglyphic patterns of the fingers, followed by whorls then arches. In both male and female patients, there was significant marked decrease in ulnar loops and increase in arches. Total ridge count and pattern intensity of patients were decreased in both hands of both sexes; however, this decrease was significant in the left hand of males and right hand of females. Moreover, the a-b ridge count was significantly decreased in both hands of female and left hand of male patients. Regarding the unusual palmer flexion creases, there was significant increase only in the Sydney line in female right hands. Significant inverse correlation was noted between total ridge count of the fingers and the radiological erosion in both males and females. Dermatoglyphics can represent an anatomical, non - invasive, inexpensive tool for screening high-risk population, and facilitate early detection and management of RA. Dermatoglyphic variable might also play a significant role not only for screening but also for studying the behavior of the disease