Dwarfism

This article is about the medical condition. For the legendary creature, see Dwarf (folklore). For other uses, see Dwarf (disambiguation).

Dwarfism
A man in Columbus, Indiana, with dwarfism caused by achondroplasia
Pronunciation
SpecialtyEndocrinology, medical genetics
CausesHyposecretion of growth hormone from pituitary gland (growth hormone deficiency), genetic disorders

Dwarfism is a condition of people and animals marked by unusually small size or short stature.[1] In humans, it is sometimes defined as an adult height of less than 147 centimetres (4 ft 10 in), regardless of sex; the average adult height among people with dwarfism is 120 centimetres (4 ft).[2][3][4] Disproportionate dwarfism is characterized by either short limbs or a short torso. In cases of proportionate dwarfism, both the limbs and torso are unusually small. Intelligence is usually normal, and most people with it have a nearly normal life expectancy.[5][6] People with dwarfism can usually bear children, although there are additional risks to the mother and child depending upon the underlying condition.

The most common and recognizable form of dwarfism in humans (comprising 70% of cases) is achondroplasia, a genetic disorder whereby the limbs are diminutive.[7] Growth hormone deficiency is responsible for most other cases.[8] There are many other less common causes. Treatment of the condition depends on the underlying cause. Those with genetic disorders such as osteochondrodysplasia can sometimes be treated with surgery or physical therapy. Hormone disorders can also be treated with growth hormone therapy before the child's growth plates fuse. Individual accommodations such as specialized furniture, are often used by people with dwarfism.[9] Many support groups provide services to aid individuals and the discrimination they may face.[10]

In addition to the medical aspect of the condition there are social aspects. For a person with dwarfism, height discrimination can lead to ridicule in childhood and discrimination in adulthood.[11][12] In the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, labels that some people with dwarfism accept include dwarf (plural: dwarfs), little person (LP), or person of short stature (see terminology).[13][14] Historically, the term midget was used to describe dwarfs (primarily proportionate); however, some now consider this term offensive.[15]

  1. ^ "Definition of DWARFISM". Merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2017-05-04.
  2. ^ "MedlinePlus: Dwarfism". MedlinePlus. National Institute of Health. 2008-08-04. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
  3. ^ "FAQ". Lpaonline.org. Retrieved 2017-05-04.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference mayo-symptoms was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Restricted growth (dwarfism) – NHS Choices". Nhs.uk. Retrieved 2017-05-04.
  6. ^ Pauli, RM; Adam, MP; Ardinger, HH; Pagon, RA; Wallace, SE; Bean, LJH; Mefford, HC; Stephens, K; Amemiya, A; Ledbetter, N (2012). "Achondroplasia". GeneReviews. PMID 20301331.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference urlDwarfism was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Hagenäs L, Hertel T (2003). "Skeletal dysplasia, growth hormone treatment and body proportion: comparison with other syndromic and non-syndromic short children". Horm. Res. 60 Suppl 3 (3): 65–70. doi:10.1159/000074504. PMID 14671400. S2CID 29174195. Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  10. ^ "Dwarfism: Treatment and drugs". Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2008-11-18.
  11. ^ "University of Pennsylvania, Arts and Sciences: 'The Effect of Adolescent Experience on Labor Market Outcomes: The Case of Height'" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 July 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  12. ^ "Science Blog – Short children more likely to be bullied at school". 3.scienceblog.com.
  13. ^ "Dwarfism Resources: Frequently Asked Questions". Little People of America. 2006-07-09. Archived from the original on 2006-05-16. Retrieved 2006-11-14.
  14. ^ "LittlePeople UK". Retrieved 3 October 2013.
  15. ^ "midget". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary.