Abstract
Background: Most human palms present have primary creases, but some present only 1-2 creases. PIC model described 21 variants. Previous studies showed great variation in different variants'incidence in different countries and ethnic groups. Correlation between PIC variants and students' academic performance is proposed. This study aimed to describe different PIC variants incidence in KFU College of medicine Saudi male students and assessing relationship between variants' types and academic performance. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted on 175 KFU College of medicine male students, years 1-4. Each student signed data collection form and recorded his data. PIC patterns of both hands were recorded and photograph of both palms was picked. Data were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS 24th version. Results: Out of previously described 21 PIC variants, only 10 variants found in students' palms (310, 300, 311a, 311b, 312, 321c, 321d, 200, 201, 211). Our study revealed new variants (PIC 320, 400, 410,510). There was high incidence of bilateral symmetrical variants. Commonest variant was PIC 310 and 300.Academic performance was higher in students having bilateral symmetrical variants, PIC (300-300) than (310-310). Within PIC 310-310, higher performance was present in students having symmetrical meeting points. Academic performance was highest in bilateral two-creases (4.75 +/- 0.35) than in unilateral two-crease (3.67 +/- 0.52) variants. Conclusions: Similarity of variants in both palms was associated with higher academic performance (more prominent in those with similarity in points of meeting). Presence of new variants raises importance of performing further studies to find other new variants.