Fingerprint analysis of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their relatives.

Dermatoglyphic markers, including fingerprints, provide help not only in identifying individuals but have been associated with a number of genetic disorders. Several small studies have demonstrated weak associations with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The present study demonstrated significant differences of the palmar patterns of the right hand and right medial and left lateral triradius displacements between patients, relatives, and healthy persons. There was no association with clinical, immunological, and other genetic markers. Dermatoglyphic markers, while interesting, provide no clues for further SLE investigations.