Dermatoglyphic features in patients with Idiopathic Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: Idiopathic epilepsies constitute more than 40% of all epilepsy cases observed in the society. No factor except for genetic predisposition is found responsible in their etiologies. Dermatoglyphics are special shapes formed by the coming together of epidermal ridges. They are formed in the intrauterine period and remain unchanged throughout life. However, genetic or family rooted disorders such as epilepsy may lead to changes in the structure and shape of dermatoglyphics. Because of this, dermatoglyphic patterns of finger tips and palms of 30 patients who were diagnosed with epilepsy were compared to those of the control group and then presented using also the literature. Methods: Dermatoglyphic data, obtained through a digital scanner, concerning the control group consisting of 30 ill people who were diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy according to the diagnosis criteria and 50 healthy people were transferred to a computer setting. Using Image J program atd, dat, adt angles, a-b ridge count, sample types and ridge counts of all fingers were calculated. The obtained data was loaded to SPSS 16.0 program. T-test, Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square test were used for statistical evaluation. Results with a p value lower than 0.05 were accepted as significant. Results: A-b ridge count, total ridge count and ridge count on all finger tips increased in both hands of patients with idiopathic epilepsy (p < 0.05). While the most frequently observed pattern was whorl in both right (46%) and left (47.6%) hands of the patients, ulnar loop was at the prime in healthy individuals. Dat angle declined in both hands of men with idiopathic epilepsy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Through examining dermatoglyphic patterns, individuals predisposed to epilepsy can be determined in a short time without being subject to any harm and too much cost. Thanks to this, early diagnosis and treatment can be ensured by avoiding situations and settings that can trigger the illness of the risk group.