DIGITAL DERMATOGLYPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN PATIENTS WITH SEX HORMONES ANOMALIES

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 and diseases that are genetically determined. Our objective was to assess the relationship between digital dermatoglyphic patterns and sex hormones anomalies. Methods : Dermatoglyphic pattern type frequencies (qualitative analysis ), total and absolute ridge counts (quantitative analysis )and left /right asymmetry were assessed for 54 males with sex hormones anomalies and 55 controls . Results : Dermatoglyphics pattern type frequencies were altered in patients with sex hormones 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 were significant (chi^ 2 = 10.335 ; D.F. = 3 ; P 0.05 ) .In quantitative analysis , patients showed a higher mean ridges count than controls in both; the TRC (159.81 5.46 vs. 144.61 5.84 ) and ARC (213.72 11.19 vs. 187.96 11.07 ) respectively ,and a significant difference was observed in TRC analysis (t = 1.899 ; d.f. = 107 ; p = 0.06 ). Among patients with sex hormones anomalies 44.44% of them had a higher ridge counts on the left hand than on right hand versus 38% in controls . Conclusion: Our results supported the hypothesis that prenatal sex hormones levels may have a significant effect on the development of dermatoglyphics.