Cretinism is an extreme hypothyroidism form in children that can also occur during feta life by various factors and lead to mental and skeletal muscle retardation.

1. CRETINISM
Extreme hypothyroidism in feta life , infancy or
childhood.

2. TYPES OF CRETINISM:
1. Congenital cretinism (failing to produce hormone due to congenital defect)
2. Endemic Cretinism (lack of iodine in diet)

3. CHARACTERISTICS:
• Failure of body growth and mental retardation
• Neonates movement become sluggish
• Skeletal muscle growth inhibited as compared to soft tissue that gives short obese
and stocky appearance.
• Large tongue

4. TREATMENT:
• Adequate Iodine or thyroxin therapy
Skeletal growth become normal after growth but mental growth remain
permanently retracted.