ACROMEGALY, GIGANTISM AND DWARFISM

DWARFISMAlso known as growth hormone deficiency

and hyposecretion of growth hormoneA person of short statureDisproportionate body partsPituitary dwarfism1 in every 3800 births

AcondroplasiaOf all the types of Dwarfism , acondroplasia

is by for the most common typeThis type of dwarfism accounts half of all

cases

Characteristics of AcondroplasiaPeople with this type have an average size

trunk, with short arms and legs with a slightly enlarged head and prominent forehead

Most of the people with this type are born to average sized parents

The average adult height is about 4 feet tall

Dystrophic dysplasiaBefore 1960 many Doctor believed that this

type was another form of acondroplasiaLife span is normal, however there tend to be

respiratory problems at infancy and orthopedic problem which can require many surgeries.

Characteristic of dystrophic dysplasia Short limbs Cleft palate Club feet Ears with cauliflower appearance

DiagnosisDwarfism is often diagnosed in childhood on

the basis of visible symptomsA physical examination can usually suffice to

diagnose certain types of dwarfismGenetic testing and diagnostic imaging 

PreventionMany types of dwarfism are currently

impossible to prevent because they are genetically caused.

Genetic testingGrowth hormone deficiency may be remedied

via injections of human growth hormone (HGH) during early life.