Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Journal of Medical Sciences Trust
Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been referred to Division of
Human Genetics for counselling. Qualitative dermatoglyphics comprising
of finger print pattern, interdigital pattern, hypothenar pattern and
palmar crease were studied on 26 female and 11 male rheumatoid
arthritis patients. Comparison between patient male and control male;
and patient female and control female has been done. 'Chi' square test
was performed. In male patients, with hands together, arches were
increased, loops/whorls were decreased. Partial Simian crease was
significantly increased. In the right hand, patterns were increased in
the 3rd interdigital area. On the other hand, in female patients there
was a significant increase in whorls and decrease in loops on the first
finger on both the hands, increase in arches on the 3rd finger; both
arches and whorls on the 4th finger of left hand. Present study has
emphasized that dermatoglyphics could be applied as a diagnostic tool
to patients with rheumatoid arthritis