Cretinism

Signs and symptoms

Stunted growth

Poor appetite

Lack of weight gain

Abnormal bone growth

Mental retardation

Lethargy

Causes

Hypothyroidism

Iodine deficiency especially to during pregnancy

Exposure to radioactive iodine during pregnancy

Use of antithyroid drugs while pregnant

Failure to respond to iodine of thyroid hormone supplements

Diet therapy

Iodized salt

Vegetables

Lean meat

Food with low calories

Pathophysiology

Cretinism is a result of congestal anomaly in thyroid gland

Thyroid dysgenesis contribute to cause of cretinism

Thyroid dysgenesis is due to absence of thyroid gland

Ectopic growth of thyroid hland

Nursing care

Encourage intake of food rich in fiber

Give food with low-cholesterole and low calorie

Educate patient to be aware of weight changes

Encourage patient to eat atleast 6 meals a day

Assess patient's weight

References