What Is Dwarfism?

Table of content

• Types of Dwarfism
• Dwarfism Causes
• Characteristics
• Interventions and Treatments

Dwarfism Definition

Dwarfism designates a considerable defect in growth (height). As in any abnormality based on quantity rather than on quality, an exact delineation is not possible, and arbitrary limits have to be established.

An adult is termed as dwarfs if their height is less than 120 cm (48 inches) or if a person’s height is 30 percent less than average value of the population.

Defining dwarfism with reference to the growth tendencies of a population takes the variation of the latter into account and could, at least theoretically, be applied to any age group rather than only to adults. We have not restricted the present review to any arbitrary limits.

Extreme cases of dwarfism are comparatively rare; in clinical practice, we are more commonly confronted with the less extreme instances of growth deficiency

Factors Determining Growth

It is generally stated that growth is determined by three sets of factors:

(a) Genetic (hereditary)

(b) Nutritional

(c) Hormonal

Achondroplasia

In this condition, the body structure is disproportionate, with short limbs and medium-sized trunk. In several cases, there is a comparatively giant head. Associated issues include body part lordosis, waddling gait caused by abnormally short leg bone heads, restricted elbow extension, and bowed legs.

Hypochondroplasia

People with this type have less achondroplasty and, as a result, are the tallest dwarfs.

Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia

This type of dwarfism is characterised by a very short trunk and numerous other irregularities in limbs and spine. The arms usually look very long. Eye complications are common.

Diastrophic Dysplasia

This is often the foremost disabling of the common sorts of dwarfism. This condition sometimes involves spinal deformity (scoliosis in most cases) malformation, hand deformities, and hip and knee dislocations. in most cases, they need crutches or wheelchairs for walking.

Two disorders can be included here:

1. Achondroplasia
2. Pituitary dwarfism or dwarfism due to Growth hormone deficiency

Achondroplasia – is responsible for the bulk (70%) of genetic disorder cases. It is characterised by short limbs and distorted skull growth. It is an autosomal dominant chromosomal abnormality due to the presence of a faulty allele in the genome of a person. A pair of faulty alleles may be fatal. There is a mutation in the gene controlling the bone growth regulation, i.e. FGFR3. It results in inhibition of bone growth.

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) – is due to inadequate production of growth hormone or somatotropin. It is a polypeptide hormone, which triggers the growth and reproduction of cells. Deficiency of GH results in stunted growth. Kids with this disorder grow slowly and the onset of puberty is delayed. There can be various reasons for GH deficiency such as:

• • Specific genes mutation
  • Turner’s syndrome
  • Poor nutrition
  • Stress

Pituitary dwarfism or dwarfism is a condition that is as a result of insufficient quantities of growth hormone in the body. Children having this condition have an atypically short stature with normal proportions of the body. The condition could develop in time (acquired)  or could be congenital (at birth). The condition basically is seen when the pituitary gland produces very less growth hormone.

It could also be due to severe brain injuries, genetic defects, or absence of pituitary gland right from birth. At times, growth hormone deficiency has also been linked with lower levels of hormones such as gonadotropins, vasopressin, thyrotropins or adrenocorticotrophic hormone.

Some other causes of dwarfism include:

• Diastrophic dysplasia
• Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita
• Hypochondroplasia
• Pseudoachondroplasia
• Primordial dwarfism
• Osteogenesis imperfecta (Ol)
• Glandular disease

• Adult height < 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm)
• Kids with a slow growth rate, < 2 inches every year, which appears only after they are 2-3 yr old.
• Kids with deficiency have regular body proportions and normal intelligence. But, their face usually appears younger than children of the same age. They may also have a plump body structure.
• GH deficiency may be present in children with physical defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate.
• Physical ill effects of malformed bones vary according to the specific disease.
• There may be malformed bones and abnormal bone alignment.
• There may be restricted lung growth and reduced pulmonary function.
• Severe dwarfism may affect the functions of other organs, such as brain, liver, etc.

Primordial Dwarfism

• In primordial dwarfism, there is smaller body growth even during pregnancy and before birth. Even the foetus is very small.
• They have smaller bones and internal organs compared to average size.
• Most people with early dwarfism aren’t diagnosed until they’re around three years of age.
• Individuals are born with terribly low birth weights. Even after birth, growth continues at an inferior rate, resulting in remarkable difference in height and weight compared to peer groups.
• Primordial dwarfism is the most severe subtype of dwarfism.
• The average life span of those diagnosed with primordial dwarfism is 30 years.

Treatment involves the administration of synthetic growth hormone injections once every day or many times per week. Serious factual effects of human growth hormones are rare. The foremost common facet effects are:

• Fluid retention
• Muscle and joint aches

A disability could also be eased by different physical therapies, braces and other orthotic devices, or even by possible surgery.

Dress enhancements such as hairstyles or shoe lifts can also improve noticeable adult height. Some most efficient means to increase height in adults by a few inches is distraction osteogenesis, but its accessibility is restricted due to discomfort and highly expensive procedure.

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