What Causes Dwarfism?

November 1, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Dwarfism Man Posing

Dwarfism is a medical condition characterized by shorter stature than the average height for a person’s age and ethnicity. It is primarily caused by genetic factors and can result from various underlying genetic conditions or medical syndromes. The two primary categories of dwarfism are proportionate dwarfism and disproportionate dwarfism.

  • Proportionate Dwarfism: In proportionate dwarfism, the body’s overall proportions are consistent with the individual’s height. This means that the person’s limbs and torso are in proportion to their smaller stature. Proportionate dwarfism is often caused by endocrine or hormonal abnormalities during childhood that affect skeletal growth. Some causes of proportionate dwarfism include:
    • Growth hormone deficiency: Insufficient production or action of growth hormone during childhood can lead to stunted growth and proportionate dwarfism. Treatment with growth hormone therapy may help in some cases.
    • Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid function can result in slow growth and short stature. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy can help manage this condition.
  • Disproportionate Dwarfism: In disproportionate dwarfism, the person’s limbs and/or trunk are disproportionately short compared to the size of the head and face. Disproportionate dwarfism is typically caused by genetic mutations or abnormalities in the development of cartilage and bone. Some common conditions associated with disproportionate dwarfism include:
    • Achondroplasia: This is the most common form of disproportionate dwarfism. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene, leading to abnormal bone development, especially in the long bones of the arms and legs.
    • Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED): SED is a group of genetic disorders that affect bone growth, particularly in the spine and epiphyses (the ends of long bones).
    • Diastrophic dysplasia: This is a rare form of dwarfism caused by a mutation in the SLC26A2 gene, which affects the development of cartilage and bone.
    • Pseudoachondroplasia: Another rare genetic condition that results in short stature and skeletal abnormalities.
    • Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED): MED is a group of genetic disorders that affect the growth plates of bones and can lead to disproportionate dwarfism.

It’s important to note that many types of dwarfism are associated with specific genetic mutations and have characteristic clinical features. In some cases, the condition is inherited from parents who carry the responsible gene mutations, while in others, it may occur as a sporadic genetic mutation.

Dwarfism can be diagnosed through medical evaluation, including genetic testing, imaging studies, and a thorough medical history. Although there is no cure for most forms of dwarfism, treatments and interventions are available to address specific health issues and to improve the quality of life for individuals with dwarfism. These treatments may include surgical procedures to address skeletal deformities, physical therapy, and medical management of associated health conditions. Support groups and advocacy organizations can also provide resources and guidance for individuals and families living with dwarfism.

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