[Guidelines for medical examination of children with mental retardation in pediatric clinics which are specialized for developmental disorders--recommendation based on the current selection and usefulness of diagnostic examinations for children with mental retardation and/or pervasive developmental disorder].

We assessed the present status of choice and usefulness of medical examinations of children with mental retardation (MR) and/or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Children with severe MR received more examinations than those with mild MR. Many abnormal findings were demonstrated by MRI in cases of severe MR. Cases of PDD without MR rarely showed abnormal results. Cases of PDD with MR underwent fewer examinations, but showed more abnormal results. We presented guidelines regarding medical examinations for children with MR in pediatric clinics which are specialized for developmental disorders, including psychological tests, hearing tests, EEG, genetic tests and neuroimaging. Physicians should select appropriate medical examinations based on evidence. The goal of testing is to provide useful information concerning medical treatment, therapeutic rearing, and education, and to support patients and their families in cooperation with relevant facilities.