Dwarfism

The four most common causes of dwarfism in children are achondroplasia, Turner syndrome , inadequate pituitary function (pituitary dwarfism ), and lack of emotional or physical nurturance.

Achondroplasia is the most common type of short-limb dwarfism, occurring in around one in 25,000 children in Australia with both sexes at equal risk. Adult males under 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and females under 4 feet 8 inches (1.4 m) are classified as being short-statured

Since growth problems are so varied, there is a wide variety of treatments for them, including nutritional changes, medications to treat underlying conditions, and, where appropriate, hormone replacement therapy. There is no known way to prevent dwarfism because it results from genetic causes.

Short stature as a result of parental neglect can be prevented.Education of the parents on the needs of the child is necessary, or the child may be removed from parental custody.