Dermatoglyphics and alcohol-tobacco consumption

Introduction: Epidermal ridge patterns form early in foetal development which remains unchanged throughout life and hence they can be used to indicate genetic abnormalities. Several studies indicate that alcohol-tobacco consumption has a genetic component. Aim: To compare the dermatoglyphic patterns in alcohol and/ or tobacco consumers with non consumers and to identify dermatoglyphic patterns which are peculiar to alcohol and/or tobacco consumers if any. Materials and Methods: In present study 250 cases of alcohol and/or tobacco use disorder individuals were studied for dermatoglyphic parameters such as ‘ATD’ angle and the patterns of fingerprints. These cases were compared with 250 non consumers and analysed for statistical significance. Quantitative variables (‘ATD’ angle) were analysed using Student's t-test and qualitative variables (fingerprint patterns) by Chi-square test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: In present study, there was a decrease in ‘ATD’ angle in both hands of male (p<0.001) and female (p<0.001) cases as compared to controls which was statistically highly significant. In our study we noticed that percentage of ulnar loops (p=0.020), arches (p=0.010) and composite patterns (p=0.005) are less among male cases compared to male controls, which was statistically significant. Percentage of whorls was more among male cases compared to male controls which was statistically highly significant (p<0.001). Percentage of radial loops was more among female cases compared to female controls, which wasstatistically significant (p=0.017). Conclusion: In the present study an association was observed between palmar dermatoglyphics and alcohol-tobacco consumption. Dermatoglyphics by itself is not enough to diagnose alcohol-tobacco abuse individuals, but the results of this work may serve to strengthen the diagnostic criteria.