CRETINISMS Meaning and
Definition
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Cretinism refers to a severe form of congenital hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by an inadequate production or function of thyroid hormones in infants and children. This disorder is typically caused by a deficiency of iodine in the diet, as the thyroid gland requires this essential mineral to produce thyroid hormones.
The term "cretinism" is derived from the French word "crétin," which historically referred to a person with physical and mental growth deficits due to hypothyroidism. Nowadays, the term is mostly used in a medical context and is considered outdated as a general derogatory term.
Clinically, cretinism manifests as stunted growth, physical deformities, delayed development, and intellectual impairment. Children with cretinism often exhibit short stature, disproportionate body proportions, coarse facial features, thickened skin, and puffiness around the face, hands, and feet. Their mental development is typically severely affected, leading to intellectual disability and learning difficulties.
Early diagnosis through newborn screening and prompt treatment with hormone replacement therapy can largely prevent or mitigate the effects of cretinism. With early intervention, affected individuals can achieve normal growth, development, and cognitive abilities. However, if left untreated, cretinism can result in permanent physical and intellectual disabilities.
In summary, cretinism is a congenital disorder caused by thyroid hormone deficiency, leading to significant physical and intellectual impairments in affected children.
Common Misspellings for CRETINISMS
- xretinisms
- vretinisms
- fretinisms
- dretinisms
- ceetinisms
- cdetinisms
- cfetinisms
- ctetinisms
- c5etinisms
- c4etinisms
- crwtinisms
- crstinisms
- crdtinisms
- crrtinisms
- cr4tinisms
- cr3tinisms
- crerinisms
- crefinisms
- creginisms
- creyinisms
Etymology of CRETINISMS
The word "cretinism" derives from the French word "crétin", which was used to refer to a person with a congenital condition known as "cétinisme". This condition was characterized by physical and mental developmental delays, as well as thyroid gland issues, causing stunted growth and intellectual impairment. The French term itself has uncertain origins, but it might trace back to the Swiss French dialectal word "crétin", meaning "Christian". This association could relate to the idea that people with cretinism were innocent like children, similar to the notion of a "good Christian". Over time, "cretin" spread from the French language to English, with "cretinism" used to describe the condition.
Similar spelling word for CRETINISMS
