A revisit of sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, and the extra transverse digital crease on the fingers.
BACKGROUND
Alteration in the location and number of palmar creases has been found in association with certain disorders. The extra transverse digital crease (ETDC) has been reported in sickle cell disease. This study was carried out to determine the importance of ETDC as a diagnostic tool for sickle cell disease amongst Nigerians.


METHODS
Medical students and student nurses with available hemoglobin electrophoresis records were studied. Their palms were examined for the presence of ETDC.


RESULTS
An ETDC was present in 80 of 178 (44.9%) cases with genotype AA, 26 of 68 (38.2%) cases with sickle cell trait (AS, 65; AC, 3), and 10 of 22 (45.4%) cases with sickle cell disease (SS).


CONCLUSIONS
The results from our study show that the ETDC is not a diagnostic sign of sickle cell disease in Nigerians.
Ogunbiyi
Adebola O
AO
Dermatology Division, Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
George
Adekunle O
AO
Daramola
Olaniyi O M
OO
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D005385:Fingers / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012805:Sickle Cell Trait / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology