Restricted growth (dwarfism)
Restricted growth, sometimes known as dwarfism, is a condition characterised by unusually short height. Most people don't have any other serious problems and are able to live a normal life, with a normal life expectancy.
Symptoms of restricted growth
There are two main types of restricted growth:
- proportionate short stature (PSS) – a general lack of growth in the body, arms and legs
- disproportionate short stature (DSS) – where the arms and legs are particularly short
As well as being short, some people with restricted growth also have other physical problems, such as:
- bowed legs
- an unusually curved spine
Most people don't have any other serious problems and are able to live a normal life, with a normal life expectancy.
Causes restricted growth
The cause of restricted growth is dependent on the type.
Causes of PSS
The most common cause of PSS is being born to small parents, but it's sometimes the result of the body not producing enough growth hormone.
Certain genetic syndromes can also cause PSS, such as:
Causes of DSS
A rare genetic condition called achondroplasia is the most common cause of DSS.
It causes poor bone growth, resulting in short upper arms and thighs.
It doesn't always run in the family. Many children with achondroplasia have parents of normal height.
The Restricted Growth Association UK has more information about achondroplasia and other rare types of restricted growth.
Diagnosing restricted growth
Restricted growth may be diagnosed before a child is born, soon afterwards, or when growth problems become more obvious as they get older.
Growth hormone deficiency is usually diagnosed using growth hormone stimulation tests.
Medicine is injected into a vein or muscle to cause an increase in growth hormone levels in the blood. A lower than normal level shows a shortage of growth hormone.
A brain scan will be needed to look at the pituitary gland (which produces growth hormone) if blood tests show low levels of growth hormone.
If one or both parents have a family history of a condition that causes short stature, their baby can be tested for this during pregnancy (prenatal diagnosis).
Treatment for restricted growth
Treatment with growth hormone injections may benefit some people with restricted growth and can help a child with the condition grow more than they would without them.
More useful links
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information see terms and conditions.