INFANTILE HYPOTHYROIDISM Meaning and
Definition
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Infantile hypothyroidism is a medical condition that refers to an underactive thyroid gland in infants. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays a vital role in producing and releasing hormones that regulate the body's metabolism and growth. In infantile hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a deficiency.
This condition usually occurs due to genetic factors, a problem with the development of the thyroid gland, or an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid. Symptoms of infantile hypothyroidism may include slow growth, decreased appetite, constipation, dry skin, poor muscle tone, low body temperature, and a hoarse cry.
If left untreated, infantile hypothyroidism can adversely affect the infant's growth and cognitive development. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial, and treatment usually involves the administration of synthetic thyroid hormones to replace the deficient levels.
Newborns are often screened for infantile hypothyroidism shortly after birth as part of routine testing. A blood test is performed to measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) in the baby's blood. Elevated TSH levels and low T4 levels indicate an underactive thyroid and confirm the diagnosis of infantile hypothyroidism. A pediatric endocrinologist typically manages the treatment and closely monitors the child's hormone levels as they grow to ensure appropriate development and adjust medication dosage if necessary.
Overall, infantile hypothyroidism is a condition in which an infant's thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormone, leading to potential growth and developmental problems. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for promoting normal growth and development in affected infants.
Common Misspellings for INFANTILE HYPOTHYROIDISM
- unfantile hypothyroidism
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Etymology of INFANTILE HYPOTHYROIDISM
The word "infantile hypothyroidism" is derived from the following terms:
1. Infantile: It comes from the Latin word "infantilis", which means "pertaining to an infant". This term refers to a condition or characteristic that is typical of or affects infants.
2. Hypothyroidism: It is composed of two parts.
- "Hypo" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "hypo", meaning "under" or "below". In medical terminology, it is used to indicate deficiency or below-normal levels.
- "Thyroidism" refers to the condition involving the thyroid gland. It is derived from the word "thyroid", which comes from the Greek word "thyreos", meaning "shield". This is because the shape of the thyroid gland resembles a shield.
