Odd One Out — Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are protein-energy malnutrition; Goitre and Cretinism arise from iodine-related thyroid deficiency. Identify the odd condition using a single consistent criterion.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Cretinism

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Deficiency disorders can be grouped by macronutrient vs micronutrient cause. Two options are iodine-related thyroid disorders, two are protein-energy malnutrition. We need one clear outlier via a second tie-breaker.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Kwashiorkor: protein-energy malnutrition (edema, fatty liver).
  • Marasmus: severe calorie/protein deficiency (wasting).
  • Goitre: iodine deficiency → thyroid enlargement (any age).
  • Cretinism: congenital/childhood hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency → growth/mental retardation.


Concept / Approach:
First grouping yields 2–2. Apply a consistent secondary criterion: life-stage specificity. Only cretinism is inherently congenital/early-childhood in presentation.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Kwashiorkor → PEM (any child age), not inherently congenital.Marasmus → PEM (any child age), not inherently congenital.Goitre → iodine deficiency, typically later presentation (adolescents/adults common).Cretinism → iodine-related but specifically congenital/early childhood → outlier by life-stage specificity.



Verification / Alternative check:
Organ involvement: cretinism features neurodevelopmental delay and dwarfism; the others do not necessarily include congenital neurodevelopmental deficits.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Kwashiorkor, Marasmus: PEM, not specifically congenital.
  • Goitre: iodine deficiency, not specifically congenital.


Common Pitfalls:
Stopping at the 2–2 split. Introduce a consistent second criterion (life stage) to obtain a unique choice.



Final Answer:
Cretinism

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