Dermatoglyphic findings in diagnosing gene carriers for hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

Hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) represents heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by changes to ectodermal structures. Teeth, skin and skin derivates (hair, sweat glands) are among ectodermal structures which are often affected. The aim of this study was to analyze the value of quantitative dermatoglyphic findings and sweat pore counting in diagnosing women carriers of the HED gene. Five women, obligate carriers, mothers of the patiens affected by HED were examined. Quantitative dermatoglyphic analysis, and sweat pore on palmar areas were analyzed. Two hundred healthy women were in the control group. The differences between the controls and the affected women were tested using the Student t test. The results revealed lower values of the number of palm and finger epidermal ridges in women carriers of the HED gene. The number of epidermal ridges in carriers for HED were significantly lower on the palm and interdigital regions ((a-b) rc r: x =36,6; p<0,01; (a-b) rc l: x =33,6; p < 0,01). The total number of palm epidermal ridges was significantly lower in women carriers for the HED gene on both hands. The values of ATD angle were decreased on both left and right hands (46,6 and 46 degrees). The analysis of sweat pore counting showed decreased values of sweat pores on both hands (14,5-16,4) in women carriers of the HED gene. It could be concluded that a decreased number of sweat pores is related to carriers of the HED gene. Quantitative dermatoglyphic analysis and sweat pore counting could be used in the diagnosis of carriers of the HED gene.