Question

What causes cretinism?

Answer 1

Cretinism:

1. Cretinism is a hypothyroidism-related condition that causes significant physical and mental impairment.
2. A shortage of iodine in the diet during pregnancy causes cretinism.
3. The development of a fetus is disturbed by hypothyroidism, resulting in mental disability and limited growth.

Causes of Cretinism:

1. Deficiency of iodine in the diet during pregnancy.
2. The thyroid gland is absent (congenital cretinism).
3. The thyroid gland fails to produce thyroid hormone.
4. Radioactive iodine exposure.
5. During pregnancy, taking medicines like antithyroid or sulfonamide.