Dermatoglyphic traits associated with global developmental delay: A cross-sectional study

Background: The study of ridged skin on palms mainly used in chromosomal investigations and identifying many congenital diseases is termed dermatoglyphics. Global developmental delay (GDD) is characterized by delay in two or more domains of development, occurring in children below the age of 5 years. The association of various environmental factors with neurodevelopmental delay is confirmed to be related to an increased predisposition for GDD. Objectives: The current study was done to find whether dermatoglyphic traits are associated with GDD. Materials and Methods: Data of 150 subjects within the control group and the experimental group were collected, which includes dermatoglyphic data as the patterns of the fingers, a–b ridge count, and “atd” angle. Data were collected within 2 months from multiple centers, OPDs from Delhi National Capital Region. Consent was taken from each individual. Data were analyzed between both groups for determining the differences in dermatoglyphic traits. All the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software with a statistically significant value of P <0.05. Results: Loop patterns were found to be more predominant in the GDD group. “atd” angle along with a–b ridge count was of a higher frequency in the control group. Conclusions: This study concluded that dermatoglyphic traits are found to be significantly associated with the GDD group. However, further studies need to be carried out to come to a generalization of the results to this population.