Dwarf

Dwarfism is a medical or genetic condition that results in an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters) or shorter. It can be caused by more than 200 distinct medical conditions.

Causes

Dwarfism can be caused by any of more than 200 conditions. However, most of the cases are caused by Achondroplasia, a genetic condition that affects bone growth. Achondroplasia is responsible for about 70 percent of dwarfism cases and occurs in 1 out of every 15,000 to 40,000 births.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dwarfism can vary greatly from person to person. Some people with dwarfism have health problems, while others do not. Some common symptoms include:

• Short stature
• Disproportionate limb size
• Limited mobility
• Breathing problems
• Hearing loss

Diagnosis

Dwarfism can often be diagnosed before birth by prenatal ultrasound. After birth, a doctor can usually diagnose dwarfism by measuring the child's height and weight and comparing them to growth charts for children of the same age and sex. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no cure for dwarfism, but treatments can help manage the symptoms. These may include surgery to correct bone abnormalities, hormone therapy to stimulate growth, and physical therapy to improve mobility.

See also

• Achondroplasia
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Turner syndrome
• Prader-Willi syndrome

References

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