The Etiological Profile of Global Developmental Delay at a Tertiary Care Hospital in India: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background Global developmental delay (GDD) is common and has a significant impact on affected children, families, and society. Understanding its etiology is crucial for management and prevention strategies. However, data on the etiological profile of GDD in developing countries are limited. This study aimed to identify the etiological profile of GDD at a tertiary care hospital in India. Methodology This observational study included children aged three months to five years with a developmental quotient below 70%. Data on demographics, clinical features, relevant investigations, and diagnoses were collected. Etiologies were categorized into prenatal, perinatal, postnatal, and unknown causes. Informed consent was obtained from the parents. Results A total of 52 children, with a median age of 15.5 months, were included in the study, with 69.2% being males. Prenatal causes accounted for half of the cases, with genetic abnormalities (32.7%) and chromosomal abnormalities (7.7%) being prominent. Perinatal causes were the next most common (34.6%), including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (26.7%). Postnatal causes were rare (3.8%). The overall etiological yield was 88.4%, with some cases remaining unidentified. Conclusions Prenatal causes, including genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, are common in GDD. The utilization of genetic testing enhances etiological yield. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy remains a significant factor and highlights the importance of perinatal care in preventing developmental delays. Large multicentric studies are needed for a comprehensive database of etiological profiles.