ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDIES IN MENTAL RETARDATION

Abstract

The present work was carried out to evaluate the genetic and anthropometric measurments of 100 cases with mental retardation of different aetiological causes. All the patients were subjected to careful history, pedigree construction and Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Detailed anthropometric measurments were done for all cases. The anthropometric measurmeli.ts showed characteristic changes in some . of the studied groups such as disproportionate body measurments in MPS, proportionate short staute, absolute microcephaly and marked growth retardation in Cornelia de Lange, Seckel and Miller Dieker Syndromes. Our results showed that there was minimal correlation between, the severity of mental retardation and anthropometric parameters especially m weight,height and head circumference. We concluded that the anthropometric measurments are a good diagnostic tools for identification of many genetic disorders. Also we emphasized that each disorder has its own anthropometric characteristic measurments and specific pattern of growth. Earlier diagnosis of some genetic disorders such as Prader Willi syndrome and Phenylketonuria might eventually improve the chances for more effective dietary mangement which will improve growth in height and weight of such patients.