FETAL CRETINISM Meaning and
Definition
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Fetal cretinism is a medical condition that is characterized by severe and irreversible mental and physical retardation in newborns as a result of maternal deficiency of thyroid hormones during pregnancy. The condition typically occurs when the mother's thyroid gland fails to produce adequate amounts of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are essential for the proper development of the fetal brain and body.
The term "cretinism" refers to congenital hypothyroidism, which is a form of underactive thyroid function present from birth. However, fetal cretinism specifically emphasizes the impact of this condition on the developing fetus. Infants with fetal cretinism exhibit stunted growth, impaired cognitive abilities, and delayed motor skills. They may also have distinct physical characteristics such as a protruding tongue, puffy face, and swollen abdomen.
Fetal cretinism is commonly caused by iodine deficiency in the mother's diet, as iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It can also be a result of genetic abnormalities affecting the production or function of the thyroid gland. If left untreated, fetal cretinism can lead to lifelong disabilities, including intellectual impairment, impaired speech and hearing, and limited mobility.
The condition can be prevented and treated through the administration of thyroid hormones to the pregnant mother, ensuring the optimal development of the fetal brain and body. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for the successful management of fetal cretinism, as prompt treatment can significantly improve the long-term outcomes for affected infants.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FETAL CRETINISM
- detal cretinism
- cetal cretinism
- vetal cretinism
- getal cretinism
- tetal cretinism
- retal cretinism
- fwtal cretinism
- fstal cretinism
- fdtal cretinism
- frtal cretinism
- f4tal cretinism
- f3tal cretinism
- feral cretinism
- fefal cretinism
- fegal cretinism
- feyal cretinism
- fe6al cretinism
- fe5al cretinism
- fetzl cretinism
- fetsl cretinism
Etymology of FETAL CRETINISM
The term "fetal cretinism" is a medical term used to describe a condition known as congenital hypothyroidism. It is a type of cretinism, a severe form of intellectual disability and physical growth delay caused by an underactive thyroid gland during fetal development.
The etymology of the word "cretinism" can be traced back to the French word "crétin" which was derived from the Alpine dialectal word "crestin". "Cretin" was commonly used in French-speaking regions to refer to people with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities. The original meaning of the word in the Alpine dialect was "Christian" since these individuals were usually cared for by local churches. Over time, the term "cretin" came to be associated specifically with the condition of congenital hypothyroidism.
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