Causes Of Dwarfism
Dwarfism can be caused by any of more than 200 conditions. Causes of proportionate dwarfism include metabolic and hormonal disorders such as growth hormone deficiency.
The most common types of Dwarfism, known as skelatal dysplasias, are genetic. Skeletal dysplasias are conditions of abnormal bone growth that cause disproportionate dwarfism.
They include:
Achondroplasia- The most common form of dwarfism, achondroplasia occurs in about one out of 26,000 to 40,000 babies and is evident at birth. Other features are :-
- A large head with a prominent forehead
- A flattened bridge of the nose
- Forward curvature of the lower spine
- Bowed legs
- Flat short, broad feet
Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias (SED)- A less common form of dwarfism, SED affects approx. one in 95,000 babies. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia refers to a group of conditions characterized by a shortened trunk,which may not become apparent until a child is between 5 and 10 years old.
Other features can include:
- Club feet
- Severe osteoarthritis in the hips
- Weak hands and feet
- Barrel-chested appearance A
Diastrophic dysplasia- A rare form of dwarfism, diatrophic dysplasia occurs in about one in 100,000 births. People who have it tend to have shortened forearms and calves (this is known as mesomelic shortening).
Other signs include:
- Deformed hands & feet.
- Limited range of motion
- Cleft palate
- Ears with cauliflower appearance
Symptoms of Dwarfism
Proportionate dwarfism- This condition is due to certain congenital medical conditions and conditions during childhood. It restricts overall growth & development. Some disorders causing proportionate dwarfism can result in mental retardation. A deficiency of growth hormone, is most most common cause of this type.
Signs of the symptoms of dwarfism are:-
- Slow growth before age of 5.
- Period of little or no change in height.
- Height below the 5th percentile on standard pediatric growth charts.
- Delayed or not at all sexual development during adolescence
- Adult height usually less than 5 ft.
Turner Syndrome can also cause proportionate dwarfism. This disorder causes short stature & impaired maturation in women. Sign & Symptoms of this disorder are:
- An adult of average height of 4 feet 8 inches.
- Puffy hands & feet at birth and during infancy.
- Excess skin at the neck at birth.
- Kidney problems.
- Detect of heart & blood vessels.
Disproportionate dwarfism- People with disproportionate dwarfism have an average size trunk & very short arms. Some may have a very short trunk & small but disproportionately arms. Their head is larger than the body. Almost all people with disproportionate dwarfism possess normal intellectual capacities. In about 70% cases, achondroplasia is the main cause.
Some of the Symptoms of this disease are:
- An adult of average height of about 4 feet.
- Short arms & legs, especially upper arms & legs.
- An average size trunk.
A disorder known as spondyleopiphy dysplasia congenita(SEDC) is one of the most common causes of disproportionate dwarfism.
Signs & symptoms of this disease are:
- An adult of height ranging from 3 feet to just above 4 feet.
- A short neck.
- Slightly flattened cheekbones.
- Short arms & legs.
- Hip deformities, due to which thigh bones turn inwards.
- Progressive hunching curvature of upper spine.
