Dermatoglyphics: The elusive nexus decoding the conundrum of amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement – A cross-sectional, pilot, observational study

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Dermatoglyphics is a scientific study dealing with the dermal ridge configurations of the palmar and plantar surfaces of the upper and lower limbs. Drug-induced gingival enlargement refers to engorgements in gingiva as a consequence of drug usage. This pilot study was done to see the pattern of fingerprints using dermatoglyphics and amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: The subjects for the study were prospectively recruited from the outpatients reporting to the Department of Periodontology, Tamil Nadu Government Dental College during the study period of 3 months following the inclusion criteria. Twenty people presenting with amlodipine induced gingival enlargement were thus recruited for the study and their fingerprint patterns were recorded and analyzed with the assistance of magnifying lens. Results: It was thus observed that there was a preponderance of whorls (55%) while observing fingerprint patterns of the recipients of amlodipine presenting with gingival enlargement. Females outnumbered males in the study. The gender difference was seen in the type of fingerprint. A preponderance of whorls (55%, 11 participants) 30% arch (6 participants) and 15% with loop (3 participants). Similar results were recorded in both genders with whorl recording the highest incidence of 80% and 46.67% in males and females, respectively. No zero loop patterns were recorded in males. Conclusion: The relative preponderance of whorls being observed in this study might be a predictive marker for those amlodipine consumers with a heightened predilection to develop gingival enlargement The subdued expression of loops which are otherwise the most commonly expressed fingerprint pattern among the humans, and the ascendancy of whorls characterizing this category of people is indeed a finding, which by further supportive studies, could help find preventive strategies to combat amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement.