Normative data for aquagenic wrinkling of palms in children 1-15 years of age: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aquagenic wrinkling of palms (AWP) is emerging as a screening test for cystic fibrosis (CF). There is lack of normative data for the same in our population. OBJECTIVES: To generate normative data for AWP in children 1-15 years of age and to describe the factors associated with it. METHODS: Children aged 1-15 years were enrolled after obtaining informed consent and assent of the parent and child based on age. Information regarding age, gender, anthropometry, indications for visiting hospital and drug intake were noted down. Wrinkling test was done using distilled water maintained in room temperature. Sweat chloride analysis was done using Nano duct sweat analysis system for children having AWP within 3 min. The mean/median time to wrinkle was noted and presented as centile curves after smoothing. RESULTS: The mean (SD) and median (interquartile range [IQR]) aquagenic wrinkling time in children 1-15 years of age was 4.88 (1.066) and 5 (4-5.75) minutes respectively. The mean (SD) and median (IQR) time for AWP was 4.78 (1.076) and 5 (4-5) minutes respectively for boys and 4.98 (1.048) and 5 (4-6) minutes, respectively for girls. The time taken to wrinkle was observed to increase with age. Males have earlier AWP than females. There was no association between AWP and anthropometry or sweat chloride levels. CONCLUSION: We have estimated the normative data for AWP in children 1-15 years of age which can be used for CF screening in children with typical clinical features from resource limited settings.