A PRELIMINARY ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DERMATOGLYPHICS AND SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA

Abstract

Dermatoglyphics have been utilized as models for the diagnosis of vast genetic conditions due to their relationship with the genetic make-up of an individual. However, little studies have been conducted worldwide trying to ascertain the relationship between dermatoglyphics and sickle cell anaemia. Therefore, the present study aimed at generating baseline data to elucidate the possible diagnostic value of dermatoglyphics for earlier detection and screening of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) in Ghana. A total of 400 participants including 200 SCA patients from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and 200 control group (CG) from KNUST were recruited for this study. The palmprints and fingerprints of the participants were taken and the sickling status of the control group was determined. Distribution of the three major fingerprint patterns, PIC patterns, ATD angle and total finger ridge count (TFRC) were determined. Loop dominated in both the SCA and control groups followed by whorl and arch. PIC 300 dominated in the SCA group while PIC 310 dominated in the control group, this was statistically significant. Also, the study recorded 5 unreported PIC’s (PIC 400, PIC 410, PIC 430, PIC 500 and PIC 510) in the Ghanaian population. The SCA group recorded a mean ATD angle of 43.62o while the control group recorded 41.61o, this was statistically significant. The SCA group recorded a mean TFRC of 67.17 while the control group recorded 78.49. The results of the present study have shown that, there is a relationship between dermatoglyphics and SCA and this will serve as a reliable indicator for earlier detection and screening of sickle cell anaemia especially in neonates. KEY WORDS: Dermatoglyphics, sickle cell anaemia, Ghana.