DERMATOGLYPHICS IN INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETIC-PATIENTS WITH LIMITED JOINT MOBILITY

Hand and palm dermatoglyphics were studied in 158 insulin-dependent di abetic children and adolescents [85 with limited joint mobility (LJM) and 73 without]. The findings in this group were compared with those i n 400 control subjects, with a similar racial distribution. The main d ermatoglyphics alterations found in diabetic patients with LJM, as com pared with non-LJM diabetic patients and controls, may be summarized a s follows: (a) decrease in digital total ridges count (TRC); (b) highe r frequency in the number of arches; (c) decrease in the sum of a line and cubital loops, particularly in the women; (d) increase in the num ber of t'-axial triradii. These alterations suggest a genetic aetiolog y of this complication. Further studies are recommended in order to pr ovide more insight into the origin of this disorder.