PALMAR DERMATOGLYPHICS IN MONGOLISM

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that characteristic dermatoglyphic changes rank high in frequency among the variable stigmata which go to make up the syndrome of mongolism. Though they are not diagnostic alone, it is believed that these objective, measurable and unchanging evidences of mongolism seen in hand prints should be helpful in establishing an early diagnosis. Positive dermatoglyphics rank high in frequency among stigmata reported in typical examples of mongolism by 82 physicians. The technic for preparing prints is a simple one which requires very little practice for perfection; interpretation based on the empiric but definite criteria defined can be accomplished with relative ease. A series of five prints are reproduced.

These findings are in keeping with the suggestion that factors responsible for the occurrence of mongolism are operative prior to the third month of fetal life, and are consistent with known facts concerning embryologic development of epidermal ridges of the palms.