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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 1/2024

Open Access 27-05-2023 | Review

Cheiloscopy in sex estimation: a systematic review

Authors: Tânia Chaves, Álvaro Azevedo, Inês Morais Caldas

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to gather evidence to clarify if cheiloscopy can be used in sex estimation and identify the reasons behind the lack of consensus in the scientific community. The systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A bibliographic survey was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, restricted to articles published between 2010 and 2020. Studies were selected according to eligibility criteria, and then the study data were collected. The risk of bias in each study was assessed and applied as additional inclusion or exclusion criteria. The results of the articles eligible for analysis were synthesized using a descriptive approach. In the 41 included studies, several methodological flaws and variations between studies that contribute to the discrepancy in results were identified. The data gathered allowed us to conclude that there is no strong scientific evidence to support the use of cheiloscopy in sex estimation, as there is no specific pattern for each sex, which reduces the criminalistic interest of cheiloscopy in estimating this parameter.
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Metadata
Title
Cheiloscopy in sex estimation: a systematic review
Authors
Tânia Chaves
Álvaro Azevedo
Inês Morais Caldas
Publication date
27-05-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-023-00648-9

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