Reduced Cortical Complexity in Children with Developmental Delay in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Developmental delay (DD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting multiple domains.
• Advanced neuroimaging techniques identify structural brain abnormalities in DD.
• Limited research exists on DD neuroanatomy in the Saudi Arabian population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neuroanatomical abnormalities in cortical and subcortical regions of Saudi Arabian children with DD.
• To identify potential neuroanatomical biomarkers for early diagnosis and understanding of DD.

Main Methods:

• Structural brain imaging using T1-weighted MRI (1-mm thickness).
• Analysis of 29 children with DD and age-matched healthy controls.
• Comparison of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) structures.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in GM and WM structures were found in Saudi children with DD.
• Deformities observed in the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, frontal gyrus, and other specific regions.
• Findings indicate disrupted neurodevelopment contributing to DD-related impairments.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights neuroanatomical differences in Saudi children with DD.
• Cortical and subcortical abnormalities are evident in DD.
• Structural analysis may aid in early DD diagnosis and understanding its impact on cognitive and emotional functions.