Abstract
Objective:The minor physical anomaly (MPA) is believed to reflect abnormal development of the CNS. The aim is to find incidence of MPA and its behavioral correlates in Down syndrome and to compare these findings with the other causes of intellectual disability and normal population.Materials and Methods:One-hundred and forty intellectually disabled people attending a tertiary care set-up and from various NGOs are included in the study. The age-matched group from normal population was also studied for comparison. MPA are assessed by using Modified Waldrop scale and behavioral abnormality by Diagnostic assessment scale for severely handicapped (DASH II scale).Results:The Down syndrome group had significantly more MPA than other two groups and most of the MPA is situated in the global head region. There is strong correlation (P < 0.001) between the various grouped items of Modified Waldrop scale. Depression subscale is correlated with anomalies in the hands (P < 0.001), feet and Waldrop total items (P < 0.005). Mania item of DASH II scale is related with anomalies around the eyes (P < 0.001). Self-injurious behavior and total Waldrop score is negatively correlated with global head.Conclusion:Down syndrome group has significantly more MPA and a pattern of correlation between MPA and behavioral abnormalities exists which necessitates a large-scale study.
Highlights
Minor physical anomalies (MPA) are defined as the unusual morphological features that are found in less than 4% of the general population.[1]
A careful dysmorphology exam is essential for the detection of MPA and because 71% of anomalies are present in the craniofacial area and the hands, careful attention to these areas can be helpful in diagnosing occult major anomalies.[11]
As the study areas are situated in the urban region most of the cases had come from the nuclear family with middle-class background with higher average parental age in comparison to the standard population
Summary
Minor physical anomalies (MPA) are defined as the unusual morphological features that are found in less than 4% of the general population.[1] The relationship between physical characteristics and behavior has intrigued man for centuries. A Roman physician and major medical authority during the Middle Ages, began the physiognomy era and advocated the view that physical features could reflect inner characteristics of behavior.[2] The concept of physiognomy suggest that deviant behavior could be predicted from certain physical characteristics of the head and hands. The specific physical deviations, such as jaw size and facial asymmetries can be related with the tendency to turn to criminal behavior.[3]. The MPA do not directly cause behavioral deviances rather serve as markers for some fetal disturbance of development in the first and early second trimester.[4]
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