Cretinism Information - cretinism picture, treatment, causes, symptoms

Cretinism Information

Cretinism results from thyroid hormone deficiency. Thyroid hormones have permissive growth effects on body tissues such as muscular and neuronal tissue. Cretinism can manifest in a number of ways. If a person is born lacking a thyroid gland he/she will be affected. Cretinism is a congenital form of deficiency of thyroid hormones , retarding mental and physical growth. Congenital hypothyroidism (underactivity of the thyroid gland at birth) resulting in growth retardation, developmental delay and other abnormal features.

Cretinism Symptoms

A person afflicted with cretinism has severe physical and mental retardation. Often times he/she will have the physical stature of a child, when in fact the person is much older. Other symptoms may include slurred speech and movement, a protruding abdomen, and waxy skin.

Cretinism Treatment

If it is treated early with thyroid hormones and trace iodine supplementation of the diet, significant improvement can be seen.