Thursday, April 24, 2014

Dwarfism

WHAT
Dwarfism is a short stature that results from genetic/ medical condition. Dwarfism is defined by a height of 4 feet 10 inches or less. The average adult height is 4 feet.  Treatments don't increases stature but merely lessens complications that may arise.
SYMPTOMS
Disproportionate dwarfism- some parts of body are small, and others are average/above average; inhibits development of bones
  • average trunk size
  • short arms and legs 
  • short fingers
  • limited mobility at elbows
  • disproportionately large head with big forehead 
Proportionate dwarfism- head, trunk, limbs are all small; poor development of body system
  • height below third percentile on standard pediatric growth charts
  • growth rate slower than expected for age
  • delayed/no sexual development during adolescence 
CAUSES 
Achondroplasia- person with achondroplasia and with 2 avg-size parents received 1 mutated copy of gene
Turner Syndrome- random deletion or severe alteration of X chromosome in sperm/egg
Growth Hormone deficiency- traced to genetic mutation but no definite cause can be identified
-deficiencies in hormones & poor nutrition 

references: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dwarfism/basics/definition/con-20032297

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