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[Mental retardation in children. Prevalence and etiology]

P Strømme1, O H Skjeldal, J Knudtzon

  • 1Senter for mental retardasjon, Rikshospitalet, Oslo.

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
|February 28, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Mental retardation, defined by IQ below 70, affects 6.7-11.9 per thousand children in Nordic countries. Identifying etiological factors is crucial, with Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome being common causes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mental retardation (IQ < 70) prevalence varies in Nordic countries (6.7-11.9 per 1000 children).
  • Etiological factors are identified in 80% of severe (IQ < 50) and 50% of mild (IQ 50-70) cases.
  • Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Rett's syndrome are significant causes, particularly in specific demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and etiological factors of mental retardation.
  • To highlight the importance of identifying specific causes like chromosomal disorders and metabolic diseases.
  • To emphasize the need for updated epidemiological research on the heterogeneous causes of mental retardation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological studies on mental retardation.
  • Analysis of etiological factors based on severity (IQ levels).
  • Identification of common genetic and syndromic causes.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates for mental retardation in Nordic children are established.
  • Significant percentages of identified etiological factors are reported for severe and mild cases.
  • Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Rett's syndrome are confirmed as leading causes.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the prevalence and causes of mental retardation is essential for targeted interventions.
  • Advances in genetics and diagnostics necessitate updated epidemiological data.
  • Further research is required to fully elucidate the diverse etiology of mental retardation.

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