Mongolian Idiocy (Down Syndrome) and Cretinism: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Mongolian idiocy, also known as Down syndrome, and cretinism are genetic disorders characterized by intellectual disability and physical abnormalities. They have different causes, but share many similarities in symptoms and treatment options. In this article, we will discuss the definition, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Mongolian idiocy and cretinism.

Definition

Mongolian idiocy, also known as Down syndrome, is a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and physical abnormalities. It is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the typical 46.

Cretinism, is a condition caused by congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones. This results in physical and mental developmental delays.

Causes

Mongolian idiocy is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the typical 46. This extra copy can occur in one of three ways:

  • Trisomy 21: This occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 in every cell of the body.
  • Mosaicism: This occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 in some cells of the body.
  • Translocation: This occurs when a small piece of chromosome 21 breaks off and attaches to another chromosome.

Cretinism is caused by congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones. This can be due to congenital hypothyroidism, which is caused by a congenital malformation of the thyroid gland or by genetic mutations that affect the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Mongolian idiocy and cretinism can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

  • Intellectual disability: Both conditions are characterized by intellectual disability, which is a significant impairment in cognitive functioning.
  • Physical abnormalities: Mongolian idiocy is characterized by physical abnormalities such as a flat facial profile, small nose, almond-shaped eyes, and a small head. Cretinism is characterized by physical abnormalities such as stunted growth, a large tongue and a puffy face.
  • Delays in speech and language development
  • Delays in

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