Cretinism is .. Symptoms, treatment, prevention and diagnosis

Cretinism is a disease of the endocrine system, which is accompanied by a decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland. This is a fairly common ailment, which, as a rule, manifests itself in childhood. So what are his first symptoms? What is dangerous for the violation of the synthesis of thyroid hormones? Are there effective methods of treatment? Answers to these questions will be of interest to many readers.

Brief information on the structure and functions of the thyroid gland

Cretinism is a disease that is associated with a violation of the thyroid gland. Therefore, for starters it will be useful to get acquainted with general information about the work of this body.

Shchitovidka refers to glands of internal secretion. It is adjacent to the cartilage of the larynx, consists of the right and left lobes, as well as the isthmus connecting them. The main hormones of this gland are thyroxine and triiodothyronine, the synthesis of which occurs only when there is a sufficient amount of iodine. In addition, this organ produces several other active substances, in particular calcitonin (a hormone responsible for the exchange of calcium in the body).

The functioning of the thyroid gland also depends on the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone, which activates the processes of the synthesis of thyroid hormones. And in the hypothalamus substances are produced that control the pituitary gland.

With the participation of hormones of the thyroid gland, there are such processes as:

• Metabolism, fat decomposition, synthesis and decomposition of protein molecules;
• The formation of energy, which is necessary for the work of muscles and the nervous system;
• Increased blood glucose levels;
• Work of the nervous and endocrine systems (hormones of the thyroid gland affect the work of other endocrine glands);
• Transport of various substances to cells.

Against the background of a decrease in the number of thyroid hormones, a disease called hypothyroidism develops. In turn, this ailment can lead to the development of cretinism, myxedema and other violations of the endocrine system.

Hypothyroidism and its variants

In fact, there are many classification systems for this disease. Most often, children suffer from cretinism, since they have this congenital disease. On the other hand, it can also be acquired - to arise under the influence of certain factors.

Depending on the cause, several types of pathology are distinguished:

• Primary hypothyroidism, which is associated with a violation of the thyroid gland;
• A secondary form of the disease, which occurs against the background of an abnormal pituitary gland;
• Tertiary hypothyroidism, in which there is a disturbance of normal regulation by the hypothalamus;
• A violation of the sensitivity of target cells (in this situation, hormones are produced in sufficient quantity, but the cells are not sensitive to them).

Widely known is the form of the disease, as endemic cretinism - a phenomenon that is observed in residents of regions with insufficient iodine.

Cretinism: Causes

Immediately it is worth saying that there are many factors that can lead to such a disease. As mentioned, cretinism affects children who do not have enough thyroid hormones. And this condition can be both congenital and acquired.

The reasons for the development of congenital hypothyroidism include:

• Congenital maldevelopment or lack of thyroid gland in the child;
• Irradiation of a pregnant woman or taking medications that reduce the function of the gland;
• Thyroid disease in the mother during pregnancy;
• Genetic pathologies, as a result of which iodine capture by thyroid tissue was disturbed;
• Hereditary immunity of the gland to pituitary hormones;
• Congenital diseases that disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

In turn, the acquired forms of the disease can also arise under the influence of various factors:

• Insufficient iodine in the diet of a pregnant woman or child;
• Autoimmune thyroiditis;
• Inflammatory processes in the thyroid gland;
• Trauma or surgery on the thyroid;
• Trauma, inflammation and surgical interventions on the brain, which are accompanied by damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary system;
• A tumor of the brain.

Disturbance of cell sensitivity to thyroid hormones

This condition is congenital and is associated with certain genetic features, disorders in the structure of DNA and chromosomes. With this disease, hormones are synthesized in normal amounts, but target cells to them are not sensitive. It is handed down by inheritance from parents and practically does not give in to treatment.

Cretinism in children: what is the danger?

In fact, this ailment is extremely dangerous, because thyroid hormones in one way or another control the work of almost the whole organism. So, what are the consequences of the disease?

Cretinism affects the development of the brain, slowing it down. In particular, against the background of the disease, there is a disruption in the development of nerve fibers, as well as a decrease in the total number of neurons and the formation of substances that inhibit brain activity.

Naturally, a deficiency of thyroid hormones caused other disorders in the body, in particular:

• Slowing growth processes;
• Weakening of muscles;
• Reduction of protein and energy compounds;
• Violation of the development of the skeleton;
• Violation of hematopoiesis;
• Weakening of the immune system;
• Disruptions in the work of the endocrine system, in particular the adrenal glands, gonads;
• Disruption of normal functioning of kidneys, liver, intestines, stomach;
• Dysfunction of the skin.

Naturally, if such problems occur in early childhood, then in the absence of treatment, there is a disruption in the work of almost all organ systems.

The first signs of the disease in children

The only way to detect a disease in newborns is to test blood for a hormone. Cretinism in the first 2-3 months of life is almost not manifested. Nevertheless, the doctor may notice a decreased appetite, difficulty in nasal breathing, frequent digestive problems, low heart rate and large fontanels on the skull, which do not overgrow for a long time.

As the baby grows, you can notice other, more serious symptoms. The child slowly gaining weight, but looks plump, because it is prone to swelling. Sometimes there is a strong swelling of the tongue. Head sizes are disproportionate, as the body lags behind in development. These children, as a rule, have a broad bridge of nose and narrow eyes, as well as a short and thick neck. You can notice and some other disorders - the child is always sleepy, listless, unsociable. With age, you can see a delay in mental development.

Symptoms of cretinism in adult patients

In the absence of treatment with age, the symptoms only become worse. People suffering from cretinism have very characteristic physical signs, in particular, short stature, disproportionality of parts of the body. Also characterized by constant puffiness, clumsiness due to the structure of the body, clubfoot, impaired mobility in various joints. There are also special features of the face, in particular a high forehead, large lips, broad cheekbones, constantly sticking out tongue, protruding ears.

Practical all patients with a similar diagnosis suffer from mental retardation to some extent. Various hearing and speech impairments are also observed, sometimes down to deaf mute. Since the function of the gonads is reduced, infertility is possible. In addition, such people are listless, unsociable, apathetic and suffer from certain mental disorders.

Modern diagnostic methods

If you suspect you need to see a doctor right away. Only a specialist knows about what hypothyroidism, the symptoms and treatment of which we are discussing today. For the decision of an exact diagnosis, only an examination of the endocrinologist is not enough.

For the beginning, blood tests for the content of thyroid hormones and the pituitary gland are carried out. By the way, some patients may develop a so-called temporary hypothyroidism, so the tests are re-submitted, after a while. In many clinics, blood is taken from newborns for preventive studies.

Subsequently, ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, and if necessary also Doppler and duplex scanning. These tests allow you to determine the size of the gland, the presence of increases, changes, neoplasms in the tissues of the thyroid, as well as the state of blood flow.

Children are also shown radiography of bones, as in children with this disease the ossification of the skeleton is slow. If necessary, the patient is also examined by a therapist or pediatrician, neurologist, orthopedist, psychiatrist - doctors help to identify the presence of complications and correctly draw up a treatment regimen.

Methods of treatment of the disease

Only a doctor knows what hypothyroidism is (symptoms and treatment of the disease, possible complications - all these points should be discussed with a professional), and only he can help you. Therefore, in no case should not disregard the advice of a specialist.

As a rule, patients are prescribed substitution therapy - they take hormonal drugs that fill the deficiency of natural thyroid hormones. In particular, the drug "L-thyroxine" is considered quite effective. In addition, vitamin regimens, nootropic drugs (Cerebril, Piracetam, Nootropil), as well as drugs for improving the functions, protection and nourishment of nerve tissues (Lipotserebrin, Pantogam, Encephabol ").

An important component of the treatment is the right diet, which will provide a sufficient amount of iodine. Depending on the condition of the patient may need the help of a neurologist or psychiatrist. In the future, the child must constantly undergo medical examinations and take tests, according to which the doctor will be able to correct the treatment regimen.

What are the patient projections?

Cretinism is a very dangerous disease, since it can even lead to disability. Nevertheless, most often with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the patient can be helped. Normalization of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland leads to the elimination of metabolic disorders.

Nevertheless, it is not possible to avoid complications in all cases. For example, with a long-term therapy, brain damage remains. And some genetic diseases are difficult to even symptomatic treatment.

Are there effective methods of prevention?

It should be noted that cretinism is an extremely serious disease, which in no case can not be ignored. With early detection and timely competent treatment, a mass of complications can be avoided. It is clear that many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to prevent the development of an ailment.

There are some simple rules that experts recommend to follow. For example, in areas where this ailment is common, general preventive maintenance should be carried out, in particular, to monitor sufficient iodine content in food.

As children with not enough thyroid hormones suffer from cretinism, it is extremely important to pay attention to this point at the planning stage of pregnancy. For example, parents are advised to take tests and undergo some tests for metabolic disorders and certain genetic diseases. In addition, a pregnant woman should carefully monitor the amount of iodine consumed. And it is very important to conduct screening tests immediately after the birth of a child, because the faster the disease is detected, the higher the probability of successful treatment before serious complications arise.