Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment
The risk of neurologic cretinism in newborns is primarily linked to which maternal condition?
Thyroid disorder
Vitamin D deficiency
High blood pressure
Gestational diabetes
The correct answer is: Thyroid disorder
The risk of neurologic cretinism in newborns is primarily associated with maternal thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism. Inadequate levels of thyroid hormones during pregnancy can lead to a deficiency that severely impacts the developing fetus. Thyroid hormones are crucial for brain development and the overall growth of the baby. If the mother has an untreated thyroid disorder, especially hypothyroidism, it can result in low levels of these hormones, leading to conditions such as cretinism, which is characterized by severe cognitive impairments and growth deficiencies. While vitamin D deficiency, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes can pose risks to maternal and fetal health, they do not directly correlate with neurologic cretinism. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function, high blood pressure can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes primarily affects glucose metabolism and fetal growth, but none of these conditions are primarily linked to the specific neural developmental issues seen in cretinism. Thus, the direct connection of maternal thyroid disorders to neurologic cretinism makes it the most relevant choice in this context.