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What is Cretinism?

Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Cretinism, also known as congenital hypothyroidism, is a condition caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones while a fetus is developing in the womb or shortly after birth. In developing countries, the cause is usually a lack of iodine, but in developed countries, this deficiency is usually caused by a defect in the development of the thyroid gland itself, though it has also been linked to an inherited condition that interrupts the synthesis of thyroxine. Thyroxine is a hormone comprised primarily of iodine that regulates the rate of cellular oxidation. Another cause has been attributed to antithyroid medications taken by the mother during pregnancy, but this cause is infrequent.

Left untreated, cretinism can stunt growth to the degree of dwarfism and causes severe mental retardation. Without a properly functioning thyroid, bones and muscles will degenerate, as the thyroid has a key role in cellular metabolism and development. In short, iodine must be present for the thyroid to function properly, and the thyroid must function correctly for cells to develop. If individual cells don't develop, they cannot form strong bones and muscles. So, cretinism, or congenital hypothyroidism, is the result of any interruption in this cycle.

An iodine deficiency can sometimes lead to cretinism.
An iodine deficiency can sometimes lead to cretinism.

Newborn infants suffering from cretinism may be of normal height and weight, but symptoms in babies who are not breastfed generally show up in the first few months. Breastfed babies may have a delay in symptoms due to thyroid hormones found in breast milk. Many will have respiratory issues, feeding difficulties, appear inactive, and suffer from jaundice. They may also sleep excessively, seldom cry, and have difficulty breathing. It is very important to seek treatment as soon as possible, before increasing mental impairment becomes irreversible.

Let untreated, cretinism can stunt growth to the degree of dwarfism.
Let untreated, cretinism can stunt growth to the degree of dwarfism.

Diagnosis is made by testing hormone levels in infants, and if tests indicate an issue, a thyroid scan will be performed to assess the thyroid gland. If tests confirm cretinism, patients receive hormone replacement therapy in the form of oral thyroxine. Ideally, this treatment would be started within the first few weeks of life, and the treatment will continue for a lifetime, with doses reduced or increased as appropriate.

Newborn infants suffering from cretinism be of normal height and weight.
Newborn infants suffering from cretinism be of normal height and weight.

At one time, the term cretin was used to describe sufferers of cretinism. The medical community has since abandoned the term as it has taken on negative connotations. Like idiot and dumb, this medical term found its way into mainstream lingo and is used as an insult, so it is best to leave it out of one's vocabulary when referring to a sufferer of cretinism.

Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Joining the WiseGEEK team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.

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Hillary Flynn
Hillary Flynn

Joining the WiseGEEK team has helped to satisfy Hillary’s insatiable curiosity for knowledge. She also manages an electronic publishing business that allows her to develop her skills in technical writing, graphic design, and business development. Hillary has a passion for satirical writing and enjoys traveling, especially to places of historical importance.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

popcorn

Does anyone know if it is possible for cretinism to start showing up later in life, or is it always recognizable at birth?

I have often wondered about thyroid issues as I am much shorter in stature than most people and feel that I may have a bit of stunted growth.

Do cases of cretinism always come with retardation, or is that only in severe cases?

After reading this article I am quite curious about the issue and find it one of many intriguing disorders that I would like to know more about.

Sara007

It is quite unlikely that your child would have cretinism without you knowing in the western world. It is common practice for doctors to do a heel prick test on children around six days old to make sure that the thyroid hormone is present in the baby.

I think this sort of test is a necessity for something like cretinism because they symptoms may not appear right away but damage could already be occurring. I think, as with many things with babies, that it is important to have good communication with your doctors. Babies can't tell you if something is wrong, so you need to have them regularly checked out.

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    • An iodine deficiency can sometimes lead to cretinism.
      By: ksena32
      An iodine deficiency can sometimes lead to cretinism.
    • Let untreated, cretinism can stunt growth to the degree of dwarfism.
      By: Nolte Lourens
      Let untreated, cretinism can stunt growth to the degree of dwarfism.
    • Newborn infants suffering from cretinism be of normal height and weight.
      By: jamdesign
      Newborn infants suffering from cretinism be of normal height and weight.
    • In developed countries, cretinism is usually caused by a defect in the development of the thyroid gland.
      By: nerthuz
      In developed countries, cretinism is usually caused by a defect in the development of the thyroid gland.
    • Problems with the thyroid gland may cause high blood pressure.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Problems with the thyroid gland may cause high blood pressure.