Palmar Dermatoglyphics in Patients of Thalassemia Major

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics have proven to be a helpful tool in identifying specific syndromes of genetic origins. Any epidermal ridge alterations in individuals may have a distinctive dermatoglyphic feature. An attempt has been made to find out any significant variation in-patient of Thalassemia major, so it can be highlighted with a view to assess its value as a diagnostic marker. Methodology: Palm prints of 100 diagnosed patients of Thalassemia were studied and study matched with 100 healthy subjects. Results: The preset study shows autosomal recessive inheritance caused by a single mutant gene. The chain is coded by gene on chromosome no-16 &gene; on chromosome No-11; unusual dermatoglyphics are reported in-patient with single gene disorders. Thalassemia is also a single gene disorder so it too can be added to this list. Parameters studied were ‘atd’ angle, ‘a-b’ ridge count and main line index. It was observed that the ‘atd’ angle wider in patients in comparison to control group, which indicates distal displacement of axial tri-radius. It was also found that more number of patients fell under the group of high ridge count. The difference was significant statistically for right hand. Low main line index was observed in patients which indicates vertical alignment of ridges. Conclusion: The deviation of the different dermatoglyphic features in patients of Thalassemia major provides a single, inexpensive method of clinical observation and adds another new diagnostic tool to the clinicians.