ABSTRACT

Introduction: Microcephaly is characterized as an occipitofrontal head circumference (OFC) underneath the third centile or more than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean for sex, age, and ethnicity. The term ‘severe’ microcephaly is connected to an OFC more than 3SD below the mean. Microcephaly is associated with a reduction in brain volume and frequently intellectual and/or motor inabilities. The pathogenesis of microcephaly is heterogeneous, extending from hereditary causes to environmental components that can have an effect on developmental process that impact brain size.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to compare the BMI and endocrine profile of patients having microcephaly with age matched to normal siblings in their families.

Materials and Methods:

Study design: Quantitative cross sectional 

Settings:  Services Hospital Lahore

Duration: 01 year i.e. 1^st January 2020 to 30^th December 2020

Methodology: This is a quantitative cross sectional study arrangement based on 12 persons. On the basis of microcephaly, the subjects were separated into the two groups: Group I: Subjects with microcephaly (n=10), Group II: Normal kin as controls (n=2). Five families including add up to of 12 individuals was selected. Ten people with microcephaly (cases) and two normal kin (without microcephaly) were taken as controls. Cooperation of the subjects in this study was selected voluntarily and written informed consent was taken to take part in the study from each individual and from their guardians. The individuals and their guardians were educated about the potential benefits and risks of this study.

Results: There was little difference within the mean age of microcephaly individuals as compared to healthy siblings.

Conclusion: In light of this study it can be recommended that there's a significant affiliation of BMI and microcephaly but the affiliation of Leptin, Cortisol, GH and TSH with microcephaly seem not be found as proposed by non-significant results. This may moreover emphasize on heredity perspective of this condition.