Dermatoglyphics in Down's syndrome.

Dermatoglyphic data were obtained from 235 cytogenetically confirmed patients of Down's syndrome. The data were correlated and compared with 230 controls. Printing and transparent adhesive tape photography methods were used to get the dermatoglyphic prints. Patients' total finger ridge counts and 'atd' angles differed significantly from that of the controls. Mostly ulnar loop pattern was observed in the patients. Abnormal dermatoglyphic features such as, simian crease, Sydney line and patterns in the hypothenar and interdigital areas have occurred more frequently in the patients. Dermatoglyphics and the analyses carried out have proved that they are invaluable in their clinical value, in selecting patients of Down's syndrome for cytogenetic analysis.