Title: Dermatoglyphics: A Tool to predict Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Jammu Division
Authors: Dr Aijaz Ahmad Patloo, Dr Mudasir Ahmad Khan, Dr Nuzhat Bashir, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Khan
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i12.88
Abstract
Background: Dermatoglyphics, the ridged skin covering our palms and sole, are not only found on human beings, but all primates have ridged skin and it can also be found on the paws of certain mammals and on the tails of some monkey species. Palmar creases develop during the 2nd and 3rd month of intrauterine life and are not influenced by movement of hand in-utero. They are of considerable clinical interest because they are affected by certain abnormalities of early development including genetic disorders.
Aim: The present study is carried out to correlate the various dermatoglyphic features in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis, to compare dermatoglyphic features in normal subjects and patients of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 50 patients with confirmed diagnosis of sputum positive Pulmonary tuberculosis who were admitted in the Chest Disease Hospital of GMC-Jammu. 50 subjects were taken as controls and it was seen that they do not suffer from any relevant disease and are not on any relevant medication.
Results: The results showed that percentage of ulnar loops were more among the people of Jammu Region and the percentage of whorls dominated in patients of Pulmonary tuberculosis.
Conclusion: From this study we conclude that dermatoglyphics is a simple, non-expensive diagnostic aid for conditions like pulmonary tuberculosis. Presence of increase in number of whorls and arches can be used as one of the diagnostic criterion for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Keywords: Dermatoglyphics, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Finger Prints, Loops, Arches, Whorls.
