A condition caused by absent or low levels of thyroxin (the hormone produced by the thyroid gland) during the development of the child. Cretinism usually occurs in a child because its mother has low thyroid levels.

To treat her problem, the mother will take thyroid supplements, but if she is pregnant, then the baby will be begin to draw the thyroxine it requires from the supplements, rather than producing enough thyroxine on its own. Once the baby is born, the baby’s normal thyroid level will be dramatically reduced, causing problems. Usually, the child will appear normal at birth but at about the sixth month the condition begins to attract attention. Some of the characteristics are dry skin, a thick tongue and a very lethargic cry; some children are so lethargic as to refuse to suckle.