[Microcephalic children without mental retardation].

Abstract

8 microcephalic children, mean age 3.06 years, with head circumferences -3.5 SD to -6 SD, achieved IQ scores of 79-115 on the Thermann, WPPSI, WISC-R, and/or Columbia tests. They had no dysmorphic features nor congenital anomalies, and their fundi were normal. 7 had congenital microcephaly, associated with proven autosomal dominant heritage in 3, 1 had suspected autosomal recessive heritage, 1 had intrauterine growth retardation (overall smallness), 1 had cerebral palsy, and in 1 there was an unknown prenatal cause. 6 of these children had 1 or 2 developmental disabilities, including neurosensory deafness, cerebral palsy, short attention span, perceptual dysfunctions, and learning disability. Microcephaly, most probably secondary to malnutrition in early infancy, was diagnosed in 1 child without developmental disabilities. However, our data support the concept that some microcephalic children with significantly small head circumference, who function without mental retardation, have a high incidence of other developmental disabilities.