The use of the log odds ratio in the dermatoglyphic diagnosis of Down's syndrome

Abstract

The simplified Hopkins Composite score for the dermatoglyphic diagnosis of Down's syndrome using log odds ratio was applied to 200 individuals: 50 normal individuals (doctors, nurses, medical students, technicians), 50 children with clinically obvious Down's syndrome, 50 sick children (excluding Down's syndrome and mental retardation) and 50 mentally retarded children (excluding Down's syndrome). The log odds score was found to be highly reliable. Down's syndrome was accurately diagnosed on dermatoglyphic grounds alone in 98% of the cases, without any false positives. A score of +3.00 and above is a good indicator of Down's syndrome, while a score of +4.00 and above makes the diagnosis virtually certain. A negative score (below 0.00) would strongly favour the conclusion that the patients do not have Down's syndrome. Chromosome analysis is indicated in a patient with a score between 0.00 and 4.00, if the clinical diagnosis of Down's syndrome is in doubt.