Cretinism

From ArticleWorld

Cretinism, or stunted physical and mental growth, results when a child is born with a deficiency of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and affect the growth and function of many other systems in the body.

The syndrome was particularly common in the late 18th century and early 19th century in southern Europe, when the term ‘cretin’ was used for a person affected by cretinism. The condition, which today can be detected at birth, if not treated within a few months results in growth failure and permanent mental retardation. The treatment is relatively simple, and consists of a daily dose of the thyroid hormone that is taken orally throughout the patient’s life. Because treatment is simple, cretinism is quite rare in developed countries.

Adults affected by cretinism grow to a height of between 1-1.6 m, and are often infertile. Damage to the body’s nerve system may be mild where muscle tone is reduced, to so bad that the sufferer cannot walk. Cognitive damage ranges from mild to so severe that the person cannot speak or look after themselves. The condition may also be evident by a thickened skin or protruding abdomen.

Types of cretinism

There are three types of cretinism. Sporadic and genetic cretinism result from the abnormal development or function of the fetal thyroid gland. Endemic cretinism results from a deficiency in iodine in the diet and this type still affects people in some parts of the world today.