Cretinism is found in:

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

Cretinism is a condition characterized by severely stunted physical and mental development.
It is caused by an untreated deficiency of thyroid hormones from birth, a condition known as congenital hypothyroidism.
The lack of thyroid hormone during the critical period of brain development in infancy leads to irreversible neurological damage if not treated promptly.

Option A: Type I Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune disorder affecting the pancreas and insulin production, not the thyroid gland. It is related to glucose metabolism.
Option B: This describes autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where the body attacks its own red blood cells. It is a hematological disorder, unrelated to thyroid function or cretinism.
Option C: Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones, which is the opposite of the hormonal state that causes cretinism. Symptoms include weight loss, anxiety, and heat intolerance.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Cretinism as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism is a critical public health measure. A heel-prick blood test is done shortly after birth to measure thyroid hormone levels (TSH and/or T4).
Early detection and initiation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine) within the first few weeks of life can prevent the severe developmental and neurological consequences of cretinism.
What if? If a child with congenital hypothyroidism is not treated until age one, physical growth may catch up with treatment, but the intellectual disability will be permanent and severe, highlighting the critical window for brain development in early infancy.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core term in the question: 'Cretinism'.
Recall the definition of cretinism. It is a historical term for a specific endocrine disorder related to development.
Associate cretinism with its underlying cause: a deficiency of thyroid hormone from birth.
Evaluate the options based on this association.
'Congenital Hypothyroidism' is the direct cause and modern term for the condition.
Rule out the other options as they describe different and unrelated pathological processes: insulin deficiency (Type I DM), RBC destruction (anemia), and excess thyroid hormone (Hyperthyroidism).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1077-1079

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 245-247

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 931-933

Practise the full UPPSC 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.