Cretinism

Myxedema and goiter are the main conditions for which thyroid preparations are indicated. The treatment of cretinism is difficult because it is recognized only at or after birth. Even if this disease could be diagnosed m utero, thyroid hormones do not readily cross the placental barrier. In addition, the fetus, as does a premature infant, rapidly deactivates the thyroid hormones. The halogen-free analogue DlMlT [26384-44-7] (3), which is resistant to fetal deiodinases, may prove useful for fetal hypothyroidism (cretinism). 

Parvovirus B-iy Maternal metabolic imbalances Alcoholism Cretinism Diabetes... 

The use of hydraulics is not new. The Egyptians and people of ancient Persia, India and China conveyed water along channels for irrigation and other domestic purposes. They used dams and sluice gates to control the flow and waterways to direct the water to where it was needed. The ancient Cretins had elaborate plumbing systems. Archimedes studied the laws of floating and submerged bodies. The Romans constructed aqueducts to carry water to their cities. 

Much of the toxicological interest in cyanide relating to mammals has focused on its rapid lethal action. However, its most widely distributed toxicologic problems are due to its toxicity from dietary, industrial, and environmental factors (Way 1981, 1984 Gee 1987 Marrs and Ballantyne 1987 Eisler 1991). Chronic exposure to cyanide is correlated with specific human diseases Nigerian nutritional neuropathy, Leber s optical atrophy, retrobulbar neuritis, pernicious anemia, tobacco amblyopia, cretinism, and ataxic tropical neuropathy (Towill etal. 1978 Way 1981 Sprine etal. 1982 Beminger et al. 1989 Ukhun and Dibie 1989). The effects of chronic cyanide intoxication are confounded by various nutritional factors, such as dietary deficiencies of sulfur-containing amino acids, proteins, and water-soluble vitamins (Way 1981). 

A number of dietary deficiencies may increase the risk of deleterious cyanide effects. Iodine deficiency is involved in the etiology of such thyroid disorders as goiter and cretinism. These disorders may be exacerbated by excess exposure to cyanide (Delange and Ermans 1971 Ermans et al. 1972). Protein deficiencies and vitamin B12, riboflavin and other vitamins and elemental deficiencies may subject people... 

Ermans AM, Delange F, Van Der Velden M, et al. 1972. Possible role of cyanide and thiocyanate in the etiology of endemic cretinism. Adv Exp Med Biol 30 455-486. 

Ermans AM, Nbulamoko NM, Delange F, et al., eds. 1980. Role of cassava in the etiology of endemic goitre and cretinism. Ottawa, Canada International Development Research Centre, 1-182. 

A deficiency of iodine results iu insufficient synthesis of thyroxine and a low plasma level, so that secretion of TSH is increased in an attempt to stimulate synthesis but this results in enlargement of the thyroid gland (goitre). Iodine deficiency in pregnancy impairs brain development in the foetus, causing mental retardation (known as cretinism). Indeed iodine deficiency is one of the major public health issues worldwide an estimated 200 million people are affected. 

Frantz R, Durand J-0, Lanneau GF, Jumas J-C, Olivier-Fourcade J, Cretin M, Persin M (2002) Eur J Inorg Chem 1088... 

Too little thyroxine may lead to cretinism in children, with poor growth and mental deficiency, or myxoedema in adults, resulting in a slowing down of all body processes. 

This disease is characterized by a decrease or lack of endogenic thyroid hormone secretion. When originating in childhood, it can be clinically described as cretinism (infantile hypothyroidism), and in adults as myxedema (adult hypothyroidism), which is expressed in a loss of mental or physical ability to work, suppression of metabolic processes in the body, and edema. Since thyroid function cannot be restored, the clinical effect is only visible when using thyroid hormones. Using thyroid hormones in hypothyroidism is a replacement therapy that does not correct the disease itself. 

The therapeutic strategy should rely on preventative measures. Endemic goitre and endemic cretinism as well as more subtle deficits of neurological function associated with iodine deficiency have been shown to be prevented with adequate iodine prophylaxis. Adequate and continuous supply is the key to successful prevention programmes. 

Delange F. Endemic cretinism. In Braverman LE, Utiger RD, editors. Werner and Ingbar s the thyroid a fundamental and clinical text. 7th ed. Philadelphia (PA) Lippincott Williams Wilkins 1996. p. 756-81. 

Thyroid deficiency (hypothroidism) has been connected to cretinism and myxedema. Cretinism occurs when hypothyroid children are born intellectually handicapped, are small, and have coarse hair and thick skin. Myxedema, seen in older hypothyroid people, is characterized by subcutaneous semifluid deposits, causing puffiness of the hands and face. The basal metabolism of these patients is depressed to 30 0% below normal, and their body temperature and pulse rate are also reduced. Women suffering from hypothyroidism may give birth to children afflicted with cretinism. 

Thyroid hormone is critical for the development and functioning of nervous, skeletal, and reproductive tissues. Its effects depend on protein synthesis as well as potentiation of the secretion and action of growth hormone. Thyroid deprivation in early life results in irreversible mental retardation and dwarfism—typical of congenital cretinism. 

Congenital (cretinism) Athyreosis or ectopic thyroid, iodine deficiency TSH receptor-blocking antibodies Absent or present Severe... 

Croton tiglium L. China Croton resin, phorbol, crotonic acid, cretin, crotonoside.33 This herb is very toxic. Purgative. 

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