Background and objective: There were studies in the literature which showed the altered dermatoglyphics in the cleft children. But it would be beneficial if probable expression can be proved in prior generations, so that genetic counseling and other preventive measures can be undertaken. The aim of the study is to determine variations in dermatoglyphics of prior generations which would serve as bench markers to predict the occurrence of cleft in off springs.
Materials and methods: A total of 400 parents aged between 25-45 years were selected and divided into two groups - Group A consisted of parents with cleft children and Group B comprised of parents with at least 2 healthy children who met the inclusion criteria. Dermatoglyphic prints were collected by ink method and evaluated for pattern types, total ridge count and palm prints were evaluated for a-b ridge count, atd angle and asymmetry.
Results: Significant difference was observed between Group A and B with reference to pattern types; TRC and a-b ridge count and atd angle. Absence of t point was variably noticed in the mothers of affected children.
Conclusion: Dermatoglyphics can be used as tool to study the developmental instability of cleft anomalies and provides data to assess the genetic etiology of clefting.
Keywords: A-b ridge count; ATD angle; dermatoglyphics; nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate; pattern types; total ridge count.