Which endocrine disorder results from severe congenital hypothyroidism during pregnancy, causing stunted growth, mental retardation, and deaf-mutism in the infant?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Cretinism
- Step 1: Iodine is an essential mineral required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones ( and ).
- Step 2: Maternal hypothyroidism or dietary iodine deficiency during pregnancy severely impairs fetal central nervous system and skeletal development.
- Step 3: The resulting clinical condition in the newborn is termed cretinism, characterized by stunted physical growth, severe intellectual disability, low intelligence quotient, abnormal skin, and deaf-mutism.
Answer
Cretinism
Why not the others: 'Acromegaly' is caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults; 'Grave's disease' is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism characterized by exophthalmos and elevated metabolic rate; 'Cushing's syndrome' is caused by hypercortisolemia from the adrenal cortex.
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