Facts

Approximately 2-3% of population is mentally retarded.

The cause of mental retardation can be identified in 50-60% of cases.

The most common causes of mental retardation include:

• Chromosome abnormalities: 20-24%
• Down syndrome: 17%.
• Fragile X syndrome: 3%
•  Metabolic disorders 2-5%.
• Pre/post-natal environmental causes: 10-15%.

Acts

Prevention:

1.      Prenatal screening (Triple Test):
Maternal serum screening for Down syndrome, Trisomy 18
and neural tube defects.

2.      Prenatal diagnosis: by Amniocentesis or CVS.

3.      Neonatal screening: for hypothyroidism, PKU and galactosemia.

Diagnosis:

 
       Clinical genetic assessment.

Blood Chromosomes.

Fragile X DNA testing.

Metabolic screening
            (Including all aminoacids, organic acids, fatty acids and galactosemia).