The ratio of second to fourth digit lengths: a marker of impaired fetal growth?
BACKGROUND
Epidemiological studies showing that impaired fetal growth has long-term adverse health consequences have depended on crude measures of fetal growth such as overall weight or length. For future studies, there is a need to develop improved morphological markers of fetal growth which persist into adult life. Recent studies have suggested that the ratio of the length of the second finger relative to the length of the fourth finger (2D:4D ratio) is determined during fetal life and may be such a marker.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the 2D:4D ratio is associated with size at birth.


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
139 men and women born in Preston, Lancashire between 1935 and 1943.


METHODS
Measurements of the 2D:4D ratio in palm prints.


RESULTS
Men who had an above average placental weight and a shorter neonatal crown-heel length had higher 2D:4D ratios in adult life.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary findings lend support to the hypothesis that the 2D:4D ratio is determined during fetal life.
MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, SO16 6YD, Southampton, UK.
G
G
Ronalds
D I W
DI
Phillips
K M
KM
Godfrey
J T
JT
Manning
D015415:Biomarkers; D001724:Birth Weight; D001827:Body Height; D002508:Cephalometry; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D010920:Placenta / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012044:Regression Analysis
D015415:Biomarkers