ABSTRACT – When a person’s natural height is shorter than average due to genetic factors or medical conditions is...
Dwarfism
Dwarfism is when a person’s natural height is shorter than average due to genetic factors or medical conditions. These individuals under this category have a height of 4 feet or less than that. Dwarfism are of two types: Disproportionate Dwarfism and Proportionate Dwarfism. Body parts in Disproportionate Dwarfism (Achondroplasia) are unequal and shorter due to uneven growth of bones. Proportionate Dwarfism also has shorter body parts but in proportionate manner.
CAUSES –
Mutated copy of gene from two average sized parents
Turner Syndrome- Affects only females when X chromosome is missing or partially missing rather than 2 whole chromosomes
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Genetic Disorders
Deficiency in other hormones
Poor Nutrition
Pre existing diseases like HIV worsens Psoriasis
Other skin and body infections because of bacteria and other microbes
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Height of 4 feet or less
Short neck and body structure
Short arms and legs (especially upper arms and upper legs)
Limited elbow movement
Disproportionate large head with flattened nasal bridge
Bowed legs
DIAGNOSIS –
Appearance of body structure and features
Short and disproportionate limbs are noted in Prenatal Ultrasound
Measurements of height, weight and head circumference of child to identify delay or abnormal growth
X-rays for abnormalities in skull and skeleton
MRI to diagnose abnormalities in pituitary gland or hypothalamus
Genetic Tests and hormones tests
Family history
TREATMENT –
Surgery – It is the most preferred treatment for dwarfism. It corrects
Direction in which bones are growing
Shape of spine
Increase size of opening in spine bones
Removes excess fluid around the brain
Hormone Therapy – This does not help much in the case of Achondroplasia. This is done using injections to increase height. In Turner’s syndrome, it is required to be treated with Estrogen and related hormone therapy to begin puberty and sexual development.
Regular checkup and health care
Extended limb lengthening surgery
RISK FACTORS –
Hormone Deficiency
Inherited Genetic Factors
Malnutrition
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
Occurring in all races and ethnicities, it has been estimated that there are around 6, 51,000 people who are affected because of Dwarfism
. Designed by