title: To determine the frequency of subtelomeric abnormalities in children with idiopathic mental retardation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the frequency of subtelomeric abnormalities in children with idiopathic mental retardation (MR).
  
  
  METHODS
  Multiplex ligation-dependant probe amplification technique was used to detect subtelomeric abnormalities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 35 children, 21 (60%) were males. Family history of MR was present in 23%. Main clinical features included speech delay in all motor delay cases (83%) and non-specific dysmorphic features (77%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Associated clinical features were more in children with intelligence quotient (IQ) < 50 (P < 0.05). Subtelomeric deletion (4q35) was observed in one child.
authors.affiliation: Consultant (Paediatrics and Paediatric Neurology), Command Hospital (SC), Pune - 40.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Rana
authors.affiliation: Consultant (Neonatology), Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Holla
keywords: dysmorphic features; idiopathic mental retardation