Congenital hypothyroidism, if left untreated, will result in

Congenital hypothyroidism, if left untreated, will result in

• A. cretinism
• B. dwarfism
• C. addison's disease
• D. cushing's disease

Answer: (A)

Thyroid hormone is essential for brain development in infancy. When congenital hypothyroidism is not treated, the lack of thyroid hormone during critical periods of neurodevelopment leads to cretinism, a condition characterized by severe intellectual disability and growth retardation, along with distinctive facial features and poor physical development. Early detection through newborn screening and prompt treatment with L-thyroxine can prevent these irreversible outcomes. The other options involve disorders of the adrenal system or unrelated growth patterns, not the direct consequence of untreated thyroid deficiency.

Thyroid hormone is essential for brain development in infancy. When congenital hypothyroidism is not treated, the lack of thyroid hormone during critical periods of neurodevelopment leads to cretinism, a condition characterized by severe intellectual disability and growth retardation, along with distinctive facial features and poor physical development. Early detection through newborn screening and prompt treatment with L-thyroxine can prevent these irreversible outcomes. The other options involve disorders of the adrenal system or unrelated growth patterns, not the direct consequence of untreated thyroid deficiency.