Question

A pregnant female delivers a baby who suffers from stunted growth, mental retardation, low intelligent quotient and abnormal skin. It is due to

• A. Oversecretion of pars distalis
• B. Deficiency of iodine in diet
• C. Low secretion of growth hormone
• D. Cancer of thyroid gland

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question addresses the cause of certain congenital conditions in a newborn, namely, stunted growth, mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, and abnormal skin. These symptoms are indicative of a condition affecting thyroid development and function in the child.

Step 1: Understanding the Role of Iodine

Iodine is an essential nutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in the development of the brain and body. A deficiency of iodine during pregnancy can lead to inadequate production of thyroid hormones in the fetus, causing a condition known as congenital hypothyroidism or cretinism.

Step 2: Analyzing the Symptoms

• Stunted Growth: Insufficient thyroid hormones affect physical development, leading to reduced growth in stature.
• Mental Retardation: Thyroid hormones are essential for brain development, especially in the early stages of life. A deficiency can cause delayed cognitive development.
• Low Intelligent Quotient (IQ): As mental development is hindered, the IQ of the child is often lower than average.
• Abnormal Skin: Thyroid hormone deficiency can lead to various skin abnormalities, including dry skin.

Step 3: Evaluation of Options

• Oversecretion of pars distalis: This would typically affect growth hormones, potentially causing gigantism or acromegaly, not the symptoms described.
• Deficiency of iodine in diet: Matches the symptoms due to its direct impact on thyroid hormone production.
• Low secretion of growth hormone: Primarily affects growth but does not cause mental retardation or IQ issues as described.
• Cancer of the thyroid gland: Would typically not lead to these congenital issues; it mostly impacts thyroid function postnatally.

Conclusion:

Based on the evaluation, the most appropriate answer is the deficiency of iodine in the diet, which directly explains the observed symptoms in the newborn. Thus, ensuring adequate iodine intake is crucial during pregnancy to prevent such developmental disorders.