The “Loop” Fingerprint Pattern as a Component of Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk Screening: a Systematic Review

Abstract

The abnormal genetic makeup of a genetic disease will be reflected in the dermatoglyphic pattern. Early detection and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are necessary to help ASD individuals receive early intervention so that delays in communication, social, and behavioral development can be addressed. This review aims to determine whether loop fingerprint patterns can be a component of ASD risk screening. Systematic search on a database and a manual handsearching from articles which were not indexed in the major electronic databases to identify articles reporting the association of fingerprint patterns with ASD. Data extracted from each research article included author name, study characteristics, sample characteristics, ASD diagnosis criteria, fingerprint scanning method, and frequency of fingerprint findings. After the selection process, three articles were obtained for analysis. This review found that two studies reported that the ASD group had a significantly higher frequency of loop patterns on the left index finger. Additionally, one study reported that the ASD group had a higher frequency of arch patterns on all fingers of the right and left hands. This systematic review concludes that the loop fingerprint pattern on the left index finger may be an additional component in screening for ASD risk.