Cretinism results from inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones during fetal life or early infancy. The brain and skeleton fail to develop properly, resulting in mental retardation and dwarfism. If the baby was born with the condition, it is called congenital hypothyroidism. Congenital hypothyroidism can be endemic, genetic, or sporadic. Cretinism is a condition of stunted body growth and impaired mental development. The symptoms, which appear during early infancy, are the gradual development of a characteristic coarse, dry skin, a slightly swollen face and tongue, umbilical hernia, and an open mouth that drools.
Other signs may include thickened skin and a protruding abdomen. In some cases, this is thought to be caused by an insufficient amount of iodine in the diet of the child's mother during pregnancy. Iodine is an basic trace ingredient, necessary primarily for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency results in the impairments in varying degrees of physical and mental development. It also causes gradual extension of the thyroid gland, referred to as a goitre. Treatment with thyroid hormone promotes normal physical and mental development.
The thyroid hormone promote is essential that treatment be started during the first six weeks of life or irreversible changes may take place. Alternate therapy with thyroxine is the standard approach to treatment of hypothyroidism. Treatment involves of a daily dose of thyroxine, available as a small tablet. Long-acting intramuscular injections of iodized oil (Lipiodol) have been used in some areas. Soy-based formulas may decrease the absorption of levothyroxine. Cretinism sodium tablets are recommended by the doctor for the patient of Cretinism. Some medicine such as Levothyroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid are also beneficial for this disease.
