Cretenismus

The cause of cretinism is untreated hypothyroidism ( hypothyroidism ) in early childhood. In earlier times, congenital hypothyroidism, so-called endemic cretinism, was common in places with iodine deficiency.

Speeches
The main manifestations are:
 * impaired physical development,
 * small stature,
 * mental retardation,
 * goiter.

Therapy
Thanks to salt iodization, we no longer encounter cretinism in the Czech Republic. However, increased amounts of iodine should be taken into account during pregnancy. An important prevention is the examination of thyroid function in pregnant women and, in case of reduced function, the administration of synthetic thyroid hormones (in our country most often drugs Euthyrox, Letrox). With cretinism, treatment is no longer possible.