Metacarpophalangeal pattern profile analysis in Prader-Willi syndrome.

Metacarpophalangeal pattern profile (MCPP) was determined on 16 Prader-Willi patients. Chromosome analysis of 14 patients showed an interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 15 in seven subjects and normal chromosome results for the remaining individuals. Two separate and distinguishable hand profiles for each group based on the chromosome findings were identified. Correlation studies confirmed the homogeneity of the chromosome deletion group relative to the Prader-Willi individuals with normal chromosomes. Discriminant analysis of Prader-Willi versus normal individuals produces a function of three MCPP variables plus age which may provide a useful tool for diagnosis.