STUDY OF PALMAR CREASES IN CHILDREN WITH MENTAL RETARDATION: A CASE CONTROL STUDY IN TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA

Abstract

Introduction- Etiology of mental retardation is multi-factorial which include various genetic and environmental factors. Minor physical anomalies are commonly observed in these children. Abnormal palmar creases are one of them. Aim-To compare prevalence of abnormal palmar creases in children with mental retardation and typically developing children. Methodology- Case controlled cross sectional study conducted on children with mental retardation and typically developing normal children. Photographs of palm were clicked using high resolution camera, digitally saved and evaluated later on. Results- The prevalence of abnormal palmar creases is increased in children with mental retardation. Correlation between increasing severity of mental retardation and abnormal palmar creases was noticed only in the right hand. Conclusion- Abnormal palmar creases are one of the minor physical anomalies found in children with mental retardation. Its presence would prompt clinicians for early screening and diagnosis which would increase possibility of early intervention.