Cretinism picture, treatment, causes, symptoms

It is called congenital myxedema. Cretinism causes very serious retardation of physical and mental development; if the condition is left untreated, growth is stunted and the physical stature attained is that of a dwarf. The origin of the term "cretin" is conjectural and could come from "cretura" (creature) or 'creta" (chalk, pale) or some other root. Cretinism is a congenital form of deficiency of thyroid hormones, retarding mental and physical growth. Cretinism causes very serious retardation of physical and mental development; if the condition is left untreated, growth is stunted and the physical stature attained is that of a dwarf.

The term sporadic cretinism was initially used to describe the random occurrence of cretinism in nonendemic areas.

Cretinism Treatment and Symptoms

Following symptoms are associated with Cretinism -

• floppy infant
• thick, protruding tongue
• poor feeding
• choking episodes
• constipation
• prolonged jaundice
• short stature

If discovered early enough and treated with thyroid extract and sufficient iodine intake throughout life, growth may become normal and mental facility greatly improved. If untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to severe mental retardation and growth retardation.

Replacement therapy with thyroxine is the standard approach to treatment of hypothyroidism.