In which of the following conditions is there severe physical and mental retardation due to deficiency of iodine and thyroid hormones, especially during early pregnancy?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Cretinism.
· Cretinism is a condition caused by severe deficiency of iodine and thyroid hormones during early pregnancy and infancy.
· It leads to stunted physical and mental growth, resulting in severe physical and mental retardation.
· Symptoms include dwarfism, delayed growth, mental retardation, and characteristic facial features such as a broad and flat nose, wide-set eyes, and a thickened tongue.
· Early detection and treatment with thyroid hormone replacement can help mitigate some of the effects, but prevention through adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is crucial.
Information Booster:
· Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, leading to various symptoms, but not typically associated with severe physical and mental retardation due to iodine deficiency.
· Toxoplasmosis: An infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which can cause congenital disabilities if contracted during pregnancy but not specifically related to iodine deficiency.
· Preeclampsia: A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys, but not directly related to iodine deficiency and thyroid hormone levels.