What is dwarfism?

4 May 2021

It refers to short stature (less than 1.47 m) whose cause is genetic or caused by a specific condition. Dwarfism is classified into two types:

  • Disproportionate:
    Bone development is blocked, so there is a lack of proportion in the various body parts since some may be small and others large.
  • Proportionate:
    There is a balance and proportion between all parts of the body despite being small. Dwarfism is usually due to unknown genetic abnormalities, but the relationship of this condition with the following diseases has been identified:
    • Achondroplasia.
    • Congenital spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia.
    • Turner syndrome.
    • Dysfunction in growth hormone.
    • Malnutrition.

Signs and symptoms Dwarfism

The symptoms depend on the type of dwarfism suffered:

Disproportionate:

  • Disproportionately short stature.
  • Normal size or short trunk.
  • Short limbs.
  • Extremely large head.
  • Normal intellectual capacity.

Proportionate:

  • Small but proportionate head, thorax, and limbs.
  • Slow development.
  • Lack of sexual development.

There are several complications associated with dwarfism:

Disproportionate:

  • Problems developing motor skills.
  • Recurrent ear infections.
  • Decrease or loss of hearing
  • Bowlegged.
  • Sleep apnea.
  • Spinal cord pressure at the base of the skull.
  • Hydrocephalus.
  • Spinal problems.
  • Arthritis.
  • Overweight and obesity.

Proportionate:

  • Heart conditions.
  • Lack of sexual maturity.
  • Social isolation.

Diagnosis and treatment Dwarfism

Once the pediatrician analyzes your child’s symptoms and signs, they will perform a comprehensive physical examination and perform a series of tests such as X-rays, computed tomography and MRI, and genetic and hormonal tests.

The treatment plan focuses on providing the patient with the greatest degree of independence and avoiding related complications, which is why it usually includes hormonal therapies and corrective surgical procedures.

At the Pediatrics Center, we provide specialized care to our little patients from birth to adulthood, through our pediatric, oncology, neurology, and cardiology services at the level of the best medical centers in the world.

Related centers and departments Dwarfism

Pediatrics Center
Internal medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory
Cancer Center

Fuentes:

  • kidshealth.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • healthychildren.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • stanfordchildrens.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Pedraza-Flechas PV, Gutiérrez-Camacho C, Flores-Huerta S, et al. Evaluación de conocimientos sobre talla baja en residentes de pediatría. Aten Fam. 2013;20(2):46-50.
  • León HTG, Loa UML. Atención estomatológica del paciente pediátrico con síndrome de Robinow. Arch Inv Mat Inf. 2013;5(2):84-88.
  • Licourt OD, Menéndez GR, Reyes PLM. Displasia Acromesomélica. Reporte de dos casos. Rev Cub Gen. 2010;4(2):55-58.
  • Rojas BIA, Torres MM, La Rosa LD, et al. Diagnóstico prenatal de displasia tanatofórica. Presentación de un caso. Rev Cub Gen. 2011;5(1):.

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.