Cretinism (Congenital Hypothyroidism)
Symptoms (For infants)
Prolonged gestation of more than 42 weeks could indicate a possibility of congenital hypothyroidism.Infants born with congenital hypothyroidism may show no effects, or may display mild effects that often go undetecte as a medical problem: excessive sleeping , reduced interest in nursing, poor muscle tone, low or hoarse cry, infrequent bowel movements, exaggerated jaundice, and low body temperature.
Changes in the appearance of the baby are also characteristic: the skin is pale and thicker; the baby's face may be dull, slow-reacting and slightly puffy; the tongue may be more prominent in an open mouth. The infant will seem floppy, because the muscle tone is decreased, and tend to sleep excessively.
If fetal deficiency was severe because of complete absence (athyreosis) of the gland, physical features may include a larger anterior fontanel, persistence of a posterior fontanel, an umbilical hernia, and a large tongue (macroglossia).
General Symptoms
Changes in the appearance of the baby are also characteristic: the skin is pale and thicker; the baby's face may be dull, slow-reacting and slightly puffy; the tongue may be more prominent in an open mouth. The infant will seem floppy, because the muscle tone is decreased, and tend to sleep excessively.
If fetal deficiency was severe because of complete absence (athyreosis) of the gland, physical features may include a larger anterior fontanel, persistence of a posterior fontanel, an umbilical hernia, and a large tongue (macroglossia).
General Symptoms
- Floppy infant
- Thick,protruding tongue
- Poor feeding
- Choking episodes
- Constipation
- Prolonged jaundice
- Short stature
- Depression
- Loss of hair
- Rough voices
- Swollen eyelids
- Hearing problem
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
