[Dermatoglyphic morphology in some diseases]

Dermatoglyphic polymorphism results from the co-operation of genetic and environmental factors during the early stages of ontogenesis. Such elements as intrauterine viral infection, radiation, alcohol, drug or certain medicaments taken by pregnant women are able to essentially disturb the formation of dermatoglyphics, if only act before the 19th week of pregnancy. Also various genetic anomalies can result in improper morphology of ridge traits. Therefore, the dermatoglyphic analysis is a valuable completion of diagnosis of some diseases (phenyloketonuria) and syndromes genetically determined (e.g. Down, Turner or Klinefelter syndromes). Regardless of the mechanism resulting in disturbed ridge traits, the new figures of dermatoglyphics are never formed, instead the altered prevalence of particular forms of ridge traits and/or the changed direction of dermatoglyphics are revealed. The improper types of dermatoglypics--in particular when found in complexes--suggest the existence of developmental instability of an organism.