Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations
08:22

A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations

Published on: December 1, 2017

The etiologic patterns in microcephaly with mental retardation

K M Prasad1, S R Girimaji, K R Manjunatha

  • 1K.M.R. Prasad, MD., DNB(Psy), Senior Resident, Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560 029.

Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|July 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated the causes of microcephaly with mental retardation in Indian children. Most cases had identifiable, often preventable, causes, highlighting the importance of early interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Microcephaly with mental retardation is a distinct subgroup of developmental disorders.
  • Limited research exists on the etiology of this condition in India.
  • Understanding causes is crucial for prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of children with microcephaly and mental retardation.
  • To determine the etiologic patterns in this patient population in India.
  • To identify potential areas for intervention and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 82 children diagnosed with microcephaly and mental retardation was studied.
  • Comprehensive clinical assessments and a range of investigations were performed.
  • Etiologies were categorized into prenatal (embryonic, maternal/environmental) and birth/neonatal causes.

Main Results:

  • A definite etiology was identified in 56% of the children.
  • Non-genetic causes predominated, with prenatal factors being twice as common as birth/neonatal causes.
  • Neurological disorders and severe malnutrition were significantly associated with this group.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of microcephaly with mental retardation cases in India have identifiable etiologies.
  • Many identified etiologic factors are preventable, emphasizing the role of public health initiatives.
  • Socio-environmental factors play a notable role, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

Keywords:
etiologymental retardationmicrocephaly

More Related Videos

Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult09:39

Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult

Published on: April 26, 2018

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)09:25

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)

Published on: May 8, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Malaria01:29

Malaria

Malaria pathogenesis in humans reflects a delicate interplay between parasite biology and host response. Clinical illness reflects a host’s immune response to the parasite’s asexual replication cycle, which is often asymptomatic in individuals with partial immunity. From the parasite's perspective, transmission between mosquito and human with minimal host pathology is evolutionarily advantageous. Among the six Plasmodium species infecting humans, P. falciparum and P. vivax dominate in global...