Comparison of dermatoglyphic traits and dental anomalies associated with cleft lip or cleft lip and palate patients with normal healthy children.

BACKGROUND

Dermatoglyphics are considered as a window of congenital abnormalities and is known to be one of the best available diagnostic tools in genetic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to observe and compare the differences in the dermatoglyphic patterns between cleft lip/palate (CL/P) and normal healthy children and evaluate their associated dental findings.

SETTING

This is a cross-sectional prevalence study in which dermatoglyphic patterns and dental anomalies of 90 (CL/P) and normal healthy children aged 0-15 years were recorded under standard conditions of seating and lighting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dermatoglyphic traits were recorded using ink stamp pad method. Dental findings were recorded through clinical and radiographic examination.

RESULTS

The most frequently seen dermatoglyphic trait in the study and control group was loops followed by whorls and arches. A highly significant (P < 0.001) difference between loops in the study and control group and statistically significant difference in the whorls (P = 0.001) were found using Student's t-test. The comparison of dental anomalies was accomplished using Chi-square test and hypodontia (50%) was seen maximum in cleft patients.

CONCLUSION

Any deviation in dermatoglyphics features indicates a genetic etiology.