International Dwarfism Awareness Day is celebrated on the 25th of October. On this day we remember the little people also called dwarfs. Dwarfism is short stature that results from a genetic or medical condition. It is generally defined as an adult height of less than 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters). The most well-known among these is Achondroplasia. In general, the disorders are divided into two broad categories:
- Disproportionate dwarfism: When some parts are shorter than the rest. It may happen trunk is shorter as compared to limbs or limbs may be more shorter than the head and the trunk. It is mainly due to abnormal development of the bones.
- Proportionate dwarfism: When all parts of the body are proportionately short- head, trunk and limbs. The person appears a miniature or short form of what he should have been. Medical conditions present at birth or appear in early childhood limiting overall growth and development.
- It is worth noting that most of these disorders are genetic in origin and sometimes tend to be running in families. Some disorders may be associated with other problems like vision, hearing, spinal problems, etc. Some conditions may be amenable to partial improvement with medications, for which a proper genetic evaluation should be undertaken first. The good news is that most of these are associated with a normal intellect and people grow up as healthy individuals and work normally.
- The medical evaluation is uncomplicated involving detailed measurements, the appearance of facial and bony characteristics, X-rays of different body parts and appropriate genetic testing. There is nothing to fear and nothing to hide, I am sure you will be alright.
Dr.Ambika Gupta
Medical Geneticist
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar
