The etiologic patterns in microcephaly with mental retardation

Microcephaly with mental retardation forms a distinct subgroup among mentally retarded individuals. The paucity of studies on the etiology of this condition in India made the investigators to study this population. It HTO aimed to study the demographic and clinical characteristics, and the etiologic pattern in children with microcepltaly and mental retardation The sample consisted of 82 children who were examined by detailed clinical assessment and a battery of investigations. A definite etiology could be found in 56% of children which have been grouped into prenatal embryonic, prenatal maternal/environmental, and birth and neonatal causes. Non-genetic causes were the most common. The prenatal etiology constituted nearly twice that of birth and neonatal causes. Majority of the etiologic factors were preventable. The role of socio-environmental factors has been discussed As a group, the neurological disorders were found to be the most commonly associated medical condition. Malnutrition, specially of severe degree, was significantly associated with this group compared to the general population. The study findings indicate that there is a significant place for prevention.