User:Mr. Ibrahem/Congenital iodine deficiency syndrome

Congenital iodine deficiency syndrome, previously known as endemic cretinism, is intellectual disability with either hearing problems or short stature as a result of endemic goiter. Other symptoms may include dry skin, abnormal reflexes, poor coordination, strabismus, constipation, and voice changes. A goiter may also occur.

It occurs due to either the mother or baby having iodine deficiency due to insufficient dietary intake. Onset is estimated to be 3 month to 8 months of gestational age. The food cassave may also play a role. It is divided into two types: neurological and myxoedematous. Less severe cases may be labeled subclinical. It is a type of low thyroid at birth (congenital hypothyroidism).

Prevention is by treating iodine deficiency before people becomes pregnant. Efforts include iodisation of all salt and iodized oil supplements. Treatment involves the use of levothyroxine and iodine supplementation. However; not all symptoms may be reversible with treatment.

Congenital iodine deficiency syndrome is rare in the developed world. In a population that is severely low on iodine, up to 10 to 30% of the population may be affected. It was previously the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability. The original term for untreated congenital hypothyroidism was "cretinism", which came into use in 1754 in Denis Diderot's Encyclopédie. At that time it was common in Switzerland and Northern Italy.