A study of dermatoglyphics in sickle cell patients of age 1–18 years in north Chhattisgarh

Abstract Background: Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Dermatoglyphics, which are unique patterns on a person’s fingers, are related to inheritance. We hypothesize that early postnatal analysis of dermatoglyphics, established before birth and determined by genetics, may aid in early diagnosis of sickle cell. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify characteristic dermatoglyphic patterns in sickle cell anemia that could be useful for early diagnosis of disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 259 prediagnosed sickle cell patients. Qualitative analysis included patterns of fingertips – ulnar loop (UL), radial loop, whorl arch, and double loop and palmar creases – normal pattern, Simian crease, and Sydney crease. Quantitative analysis included total finger ridge count (TFRC), ulnar ridge count, and a-b ridge count. Results: Among 259 subjects, 167 were sicle cell anemia patient (Hb SS), and 92 were sickle cell trait (Hb AS) patients. Overall maximum proportion of Hb SS showed UL pattern (52.8%), followed by whorl (38.1%). axial triradius (Atd) angle (TAD) angle was found to be almost similar in both the groups. In the male study group, the mean a-b ridge count value was higher in sickle cell males compared to normal males. In the female Hb AS group, the mean a-b ridge value was less compared to Hb SS and Hb AA females. In all female study participants, nearly equal mean TFRC was seen. The percentage of normal palmar crease was high in both the male and female study groups. A slight increase of Sydney crease was noted in sickle cell females, i.e, 6.4%. No statistical significance was found for percentage distribution of palmar flexion crease. Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics could be useful in distinguishing between sickle cell disease patients and those without hemoglobinopathies. However, its usefulness as a diagnostic tool is still uncertain.