What is the Most Critical Need for the Child with Newly

Question

What is the most critical need for the child with newly diagnosed cretinism? A) Thyroidectomy B) Administration of a radioactive cocktail of ¹³¹I (radioactive iodine) C) Replacement dose of thyroid hormones D) Replacement dose of calcitonin

Accepted Answer

The most critical need for a child with newly diagnosed cretinism is a replacement dose of thyroid hormones. Cretinism is a congenital form of hypothyroidism, meaning that the child's body is not producing enough thyroid hormones necessary for growth and development. Without replacement therapy, the child can suffer irreversible damage to their physical and cognitive development. Thyroidectomy (A) removes the thyroid gland and is not a recommended treatment for hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine (B) is typically used to treat hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Replacement dose of calcitonin (D) is used to treat hypercalcemia and bone-related diseases, not hypothyroidism.