Dermatoglyphic patterns in children with rheumatic fever

ABSTRACT

Dermatoglyphic patterns were read by direct vision and were recorded for 60 children who proved to have rheumatic fever and 150 normal controls. The findings were analysed as described by Cummins and Midlo[7]. Modal type of C line was Interpreted by Plato method[8], D line by Cummins and Midlo method[7], and the classification of Interdigital areas as described by Plato and qertelecki[9]. Palmar creases were analysed as described by Alter[10]. The results showed Important significant differences in the dermatoglyphic features of children with rheumatic fever which could be summarized as follows [1] High proportion of arches on; a] digits, b] thenar/1 area, c] toes and d] halucal area, [2] Low total ridge count on; a] digits, and b] toes. [3] Increased proportion of whorls on the hypothenar eminence of the palm. These specific changes may be due to the linkage of one or more genes responsible for the development of rheumatic fever and the trait of dermal ridges. Hence, they could be considered as genetic markers