A comparison of the dermatogram with other indices for the diagnosis of Down's syndrome.

The Dermatogram, a dermatoglyphic nomogram based upon four pattern areas, was compared with three other indices for the diagnosis of Down's syndrome (D.S.). The measure of diagnostic accuracy used was the percentage of patients scoring outside reported overlap scores between normal and D.S. The Dermatogram correctly diagnosed 79% of 119 D.S. patients. Two other indices, using more pattern areas and requiring calculations, correctly diagnosed more patients (81 and 87%), but one had several incorrect diagnoses and the other was less efficient when scored on a small sample of normal, karyotyped, non-D.S. retardates. The Dermatogram is suggested for use as a rapid diagnostic screen. For patients in the Dermatogram overlap, added discrimination may be obtained from secondary scoring on other indices.