Screening for autosomal aberrations.

A method of screening for autosomal aberrations is important as an indication for chromosome analysis such as that used in sex-chromatin examination for sex chromosome aberrations. In our clinic, malformed patients with mental retardation and abnormal dermatoglyphic patterns are strong suspects for autosomal aberrations. Abnormal dermatoglyphic patterns are separated into two categories: (1) Absolutely abnormal--radial loop of 1st finger, radial loop of 4th finger, radial loop of 5th finger, arch over 6 fingers, arch tibial, loop tibial, and arch fibular; (2) Borderline abnormalities--high axial triradius (t' and t"), simian crease, interdigital loop, and single crease of 5th finger.