What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Congenital Absence of Fingerprints
• Immigration Delay Disease
• Isolated Congenital Adermatoglyphia

What is Adermatoglyphia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Dermatoglyph is a scientific term to describe the pattern of ridges on the palms, soles, and digits, which consists of arches, whorls, and loops. This skin pattern of each individual is unique, which can help in establishing the identity of that individual (such as via fingerprinting)
• Extremely rarely, an individual may not have any ridges on their palms and soles (including on their fingers and toes), due to certain genetic defects. This condition is known as Adermatoglyphia (ADG or ADERM) or Congenital Absence of Fingerprints
• In some cases, Adermatoglyphia is an isolated condition that is not accompanied by other signs and symptoms. But, sometimes, individuals may present skin lesions and reduced sweating. Generally, there are no significant medical complications from Adermatoglyphia
• A treatment may be provided based on the presenting symptoms, if necessary. There is no cure for the condition, but apart from the potential legal hardships the affected individual may face, the overall prognosis of the condition is excellent

Who gets Adermatoglyphia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Adermatoglyphia is a highly uncommon congenital condition
• The presentation of symptoms may be noted at birth, and it persists lifelong
• Both males and females may be affected
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Adermatoglyphia? (Predisposing Factors)

• A positive family history may be an important risk factor, since Adermatoglyphia can be inherited
• Currently, no other risk factors have been clearly identified for the condition

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Adermatoglyphia? (Etiology)

• Adermatoglyphia is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the SMARCAD1 gene 
• The condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner

Rarely, Adermatoglyphia may form part of other disorders such as:

• Naegeli-Franceschetti-Jadassohn syndrome/dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis (NFJS/DPR)
• Certain types of ectodermal dysplasias
• Extremely rarely, acquired forms of Adermatoglyphia may be noted such as in chronic graft versus host disease

Autosomal dominant: Autosomal dominant conditions are traits or disorders that are present when only one copy of the mutation is inherited on a non-sex chromosome. In these types of conditions, the individual has one normal copy and one mutant copy of the gene. The abnormal gene dominates, masking the effects of the correctly function gene. If an individual has an autosomal dominant condition, the chance of passing the abnormal gene on to their offspring is 50%. Children, who do not inherit the abnormal gene, will not develop the condition, or pass it on to their offspring.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Adermatoglyphia?

Apart from the lack of ridges/creases on the palms and soles (Adermatoglyphia), no other signs and symptoms may be generally noted. However, in some cases, the following may be noted:

• Decreased sweating on the palms and soles
• Clubbing of the fingers
• Thickening of skin of the palms
• Raised white skin lesions on the face
• Formation of skin blisters
• An absence of crease on the palms/soles can result in reduced friction generation, which can lead to:
  • Difficulty in gripping or holding smooth surfaced items
  • Difficulty in walking barefoot on polished/smooth floors

If Adermatoglyphia forms part of other genetic conditions, then the signs and symptoms of the associated condition may be noted.

How is Adermatoglyphia Diagnosed?

Adermatoglyphia is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Physical examination of the individual and medical history evaluation: Generally, a visual exam of the hands and feet along-with family history evaluation can help establish a diagnosis
• Other investigative tests and procedures are normally not required, but this is based on the healthcare provider’s assessment

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Adermatoglyphia?

The complications of Adermatoglyphia may include:

• Inability to be identified by one’s fingerprints, which may cause legal issues for some individuals lifelong
• Low self-esteem if cosmetic concerns arise due to co-existing skin conditions
• Additional complications may develop from any associated conditions

How is Adermatoglyphia Treated?

There is no cure for Adermatoglyphia since it is a genetic condition.

• The treatment is usually given to manage the signs and symptoms
• In a majority of cases, no treatment is necessary, unless any associated symptoms are noted
• Undertaking treatment of the associated condition, if any noted, is important

How can Adermatoglyphia be Prevented?

Adermatoglyphia may not be preventable since it is a genetic disorder.

• Genetic testing of the expecting parents (and related family members) and prenatal diagnosis (molecular testing of the fetus during pregnancy) may help in understanding the risks better during pregnancy
• If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child, particularly if the condition is accompanied by additional signs and symptoms such as reduced sweat glands 
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders

What is the Prognosis of Adermatoglyphia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Adermatoglyphia is generally excellent, since in most cases, no other significant symptoms are observed
• In case Adermatoglyphia forms part of other genetic conditions, such as ectodermal dysplasias, then the overall prognosis depends on the severity of the associated condition

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Adermatoglyphia:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/