Cretinism classification

D. Koutras, S. Muzzo, H. Niepomniszcze, C.S. Pandav and G. Riccabona, Definitions of endemic goiter and cretinism, classification of goiter size and severity of endemias, and survey techniques, ija "Towards the eradication of endemic goiter, cretinism and iodine deficiency",... 

Most of the studies conducted in Mali have made use of similar clinical approaches to classify pathological thyroids (endemic goiter, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, endemic cretinism, etc.). Goiter has been assessed by palpation. The old goiter classification system used in the surveys by Pales in 1948 (Pales, 1950) was later replaced by the WHO classification proposed by Demaeyer et al. (1979). 

In conclusion, classical myxoedematous cretinism is found in the Qinghai endemia. Nevertheless, all cretins displayed degrees of neurological abnormality. In this endemia the traditional classification was not useful and the clinical syndrome of cretinism was modified by the severity and duration of ongoing hypothyroidism. The factors that influence postnatal thyroid function are unidentified, but the finding of thyroid atrophy implies an autoimmune process. 

Classification of goiter size and severity of endemias, and survey techniques, in "Towards the Eradication of Endemic Goiter, Cretinism, and Iodine Deficiency." J.T. Dunn, E.A. Pretell, C.H. Daza, F.E. Viteri, eds. Washington. PAHO/WHO Scientific Publication No. 502 373 (1986). 

The most severe effect of iodine deficiency is cretinism, which is rare in areas of mildly endemic deficiency but may have reached 5-10% or more in areas with severe deficiency. There are general classifications of cretinism, the symptoms of which frequently overlap. Neurological cretinism presents as extreme mental retardation, deaf-mutism, and impaired motor function including spastic gait. 

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