Dermatoglyphic evaluation in subjects and parents of cleft lip with and without cleft palate.

Objectives : Dermatoglyphic patterns make good material for genetic studies because they remain stable throughout life. Given that the primary palate, lip, and dermal ridges develop during the same period of intrauterine life, the genetic message contained in the genome can be deciphered during this period and is reflected by dermatoglyphics. This study was undertaken to compare the dermatoglyphic patterns in subjects with clefts and controls and both their parents to study the genetic etiology. Methods : A total of 294 subjects (48 cleft subjects and 50 healthy controls with both their parents) were selected. Finger and palm prints of all were recorded using the ink method. Results :  Increased frequency of loops and arches and low mean total ridge count was observed in cleft subjects. Increased frequency of loops and arches with decreased frequency of whorls, mean total ridge count, and atd angle of right hand was found in parents of cleft group as compared with the parents of the controls. Conclusion : Dermatoglyphic patterns have considerable variances. They can be used to study genetic etiology and as an educational tool for genetic counseling.