[Dermatoglyphics differences among children with nephrotic syndrome according to steroid response]

Although the association between the type of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) and a peculiar pattern of fingerprints digital would suggest the presence of genetic factors related to both, this has not been previously studied. This study aimed to evaluate if there are fingerprints patterns differences between children with steroid-resistant INS (SRNS) and those with steroid-sensitive INS (SSNS).

The frequencies distribution of arches, ulnar loops, radial loops, and whorls was studied in 60 children with SRNS, and 60 children with SSNS. Bivariate analysis to detect the relationship between each fingerprint pattern with the study groups was performed by chi-square test and to evaluate its possible association, the odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 95% confidence's intervals (95%CI).

The patients with SRNS had a higher frequency of digital whorls compared with that of patients with SSNS (46.7% vs. 30.7%, p = 0.005). Additional comparisons using a "whorls excesses" definition obtained from normative data in our population (≥ 7 whorls in females or ≥ 8 in males) were associated with increased odds for SRNS (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.15-7.61).

Our findings indicate that there are differences between children with SRNS and SSNS at the level of digital dermatoglyphics, but further studies are needed to confirm this association and its possible implications.