Dermatoglyphics in children with acute leukaemia.

The dermatoglyphics of 135 children with acute leukaemia differed significantly from those of normal controls, and examination of 174 of the patients' first degree relatives indicated that familial factors were involved. The findings suggested that within the racial group studied dermatoglyphics may partly identify a population subgroup which is at increased risk of leukaemogenesis. While these observations may not have immediate clinical application, they are likely to contribute to a greater understanding of individuals who have increased constitutional susceptibility to leukaemia.