Dwarfism is the condition that causes short stature resulting from the slow or the delayed growth. This develops from the problems of the pituitary gland that normally produces several different types of hormones including growth hormones that are required for the various body functions. With the insufficient secretion of the growth hormone, the normal growth of the individual is affected.
Causes
This condition can develop from various disorders that affect the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is divided into three sections, the anterior, the intermediate and the posterior lobes which produce various hormones such as adrenocorticotropin, growth hormone, prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone. The hypothalamus that is located in the lower part of the forebrain is responsible for the production of essential regulating hormones. The hypothalamus secretes the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) which stimulates the production of the growth hormone by the pituitary gland. The growth hormone, in turn, triggers the secretion of insulin-like growth factor -1 from the liver which is necessary for the development of the bone and the muscle. When any of these complex processes become disrupted, the growth is affected. One of the common causes of pituitary dwarfism is the deficiency of growth hormone that results in a decreased rate of growth in childhood. Additional causes of pituitary dwarfism can include genetics, surgical injury of the pituitary gland, trauma of the central nervous system and leukemia.
Symptoms
Although the children of this condition have normal body proportions, they have abnormally decreased rate of growth. The short stature is usually evident from the age of 2- 4 years. It is estimated that these individuals are around 20 – 25% shorter than the average age stature. They exhibit a small head and limbs along with a fat distribution that appears to be much higher particularly around the waist. They present underdeveloped sexual organs where the males have infant sizes of scrotum and penis while the women have reduced dimensions of the uterus and the vagina. When the tumor of the pituitary gland is identified, they also present additional symptoms such as vomiting, headaches and vision problems. They are also prone to hypoglycemia which can develop complications such as seizures particularly in the untreated cases.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually based on the physical examination that includes evaluating their height, weight and body proportions. Additional tests can consist of an x-ray to determine skull abnormalities, measuring the level of growth hormone and the CT or MRI scan of the head to identify the cause of this condition.
Treatment
When children present problems with the growth hormone, the replacement therapy with synthetic hormone is optional; this is particularly effective when the treatment begins during the growth phase of the children. A growth rate of around 4-7 cm a year is an indication of a positive outcome of the treatment process. When dwarfism occurs with sexual infantilism, they may be given sex hormones; estrogen and progesterone for girls and testosterone for boys.
References
http://www.healthofchildren.com/P/Pituitary-Dwarfism.html