Variations in fingertip dermatoglyphic pattern in congenitally deaf and mute subjects

Abstract

Background: Dermatoglyphics, the scientific study of the origin, development and variation on dermal ridges and patterns on the fingers, palms and soles have been employed to observe association with many congenital defects and genetic diseases. Development of dermal ridges and congenital deafness seems to be interlinked as they develop at about the same time. Methods: The material for the study consisted of finger and palm prints of congenitally deaf and mute children of 100 subjects with congenital deafness and muteness between 5-21 years of age and 50 control of similar age group with normal hearing and speech were chosen. Digital patterns, triradii, total ridge count were noted. Results: Overall fingertip pattern of subjects and control when right and left hands were considered together showed significant results in which there was maximum percentage of ulnar loops followed by whorls, carpal arches, composites and least were the tented arches in the subjects. Mean ridge count of all the digits comes out to be less in subjects in comparison to control but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics can serve as a simple, inexpensive screening tool but further preliminary investigations are needed to come to a conclusive finding.