Abstract
Introduction: Fingerprints are detailed, nearly unique, durable over the life of an individual, and suitable as long-term markers of human identity. Their biological and clinical value is associated with the common ectodermal origin of the brain and dermal patterns and the strictly defined periods of embryonic formation of papillary ridges (III - IV month of gestation).Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate gender differences in certain dermatoglyphic features in schizophrenia patients compared with normal control subjects.Material and methods: The study included 141 patients with schizophrenia (76 males, 65 females) and 120 mentally healthy subjects (54 males, 66 females) of Bulgarian origin. Fingerprints and palmprints were obtained using an ink method and were read with light (6D) magnification in accordance with the methods given by Cummins, Midlo. All statistical analyses were performed separately for males and females in view of the available evidence for significant gender differences in ectodermal derivatives. The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05.Results: The study results show different pattern of between-gender difference in fengerprint patterns in schizophrenia patients due to greater difference between schizophrenia and normal males compared with schizophrenia and normal females.Conclusions: Specific between-gender differences in fingerprint patterns between schizophrenia patients and normal controls identify males as more susceptible to abnormal development of ectodermal derivatives.