Dermatoglyphic Study: A Diagnostic Tool for Predicting Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Aim: The aim of the study was to observe and compare the dermatoglyphics patterns in betel nut chewers with and without oral submucous fibrosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among patients of either gender visiting the outpatient Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, of Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital. A sample size of 100 subjects was decided and was divided into three groups: Group 1: 50 subjects with habit of eating betel nuts and OSMF. Group 2: 25 subjects with habit of eating betel nuts without OSMF. Group 3: 25 subjects without a habit of betel nuts chewing and not having OSMF. The ink was uniformly applied over the fingers by using a stamp pad. Prints of fingertips were taken. Results: On comparing the dermatoglyphic patterns with subjects of groups 1, 2 and 3, OSMF subjects had an increase in simple whorl patterns and a decrease in arch patterns, and subjects with a habit of betel nut chewing without OSMF had an increase in ulnar and radial loop patterns. Conclusion: The present study was undertaken to observe and compare the dermatoglyphic patterns in betel nut chewers with and without oral submucous fibrosis. On digit vise comparison of the finger ridge patterns of both hands, the middle finger and ring finger of the right hand showed statistically significant p values. Thus, with the help of these parameters, gutkha chewers likely to develop OSMF can be detected earlier and the cost burden associated with genetic cytomarkers may also be prevented.