Cretinism and Congenital Hypothyroidism

This topic addresses cretinism, the severe form of hypothyroidism developing in infancy or early childhood. Zambian tertiary students in paediatrics and pathology will study the devastating consequences of thyroid hormone deficiency during critical periods of development. Key features include severe mental retardation, impaired skeletal growth leading to short stature, coarse facial features, a protruding tongue, and umbilical hernia. Understanding cretinism highlights the vital role of thyroid hormones in central nervous system and skeletal development and underscores the importance of neonatal screening programs. This knowledge is crucial for university examinations in paediatric pathology and endocrinology and informs public health strategies to prevent permanent intellectual disability, a relevant concern for healthcare planning in Zambia.