A dermatoglyphic study on sickle cell anemia patients of north coastal Andhra pradesh, South India

Sickle cell disease (SCD) or sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an autosomal recessive genetic blood disorder, characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape. Dermatoglyphics, the patterns of ridges on the skin of the fingertips, palms, and soles are mostly related with inheritance. These patterns may represent the genetic make up of an individual and therefore their predisposition to certain diseases. Thus the purpose of this research is to find out the characteristic dermatoglyphic patterns in sickle cell anemia which could be useful in early diagnosis of the disease. Methods The study was conducted on 59 (34 male and 25 female) sickle cell subjects and was compared with the data from 60 (30 male and 30 female) healthy controls. Qualitative parameters observed were percentage frequency of finger print patterns (loops, whorls and arches), patterns of interdigital area and flexion creases. Statistical analysis was done using chi square test and estimation of Odds ratio (OR) was done to quantify the magnitude of association. Results In sickle cell group, the ulnar loops and whorls were more frequent whereas the arches were less frequent. No radial loop pattern was observed in female sickle cell patients. Results indicated that A-B, B-C and C-D ridge count in male and female patients has decreased comparatively to control group, but the reduction is not significant. The total finger ridge count (TFRC) was significantly increased in male patients and was decreased in female patients when compared with controls respectively. Regarding the unusual palmar flexion creases, there was significant increase in the Sydney and simian creases in both males and females of sickle cell. Interpretation & conclusions To conclude with, the results of the present study, most of them were in agreement with the literature in the field. With the available data, although other parameters were not statistically significant, the current work emphasizes that high frequency of TFRC in males and high frequency of Sydney creases in females were seen as reliable indicators helpful in scientific screening of sickle cell patients.