risk factors for dwarfism include a hormone deficiency or malnutrition. There usually aren't any risk factors for a hormone deficiency, but it can often be successfully treated. Serious malnutrition, which leads to weak bones and muscles, can also be overcome in many cases with a healthy, more nutrient-rich diet.
The goal of treatment is to maximize functioning and independence. Most dwarfism treatments don't increase stature but may correct or relieve problems caused by complications.
Surgical treatments
Surgical procedures that may correct problems in people with disproportionate dwarfism include:
Correcting the direction in which bones are growing
Stabilizing and correcting the shape of the spine
Increasing the size of the opening in bones of the spine (vertebrae) to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord
Placing a shunt to remove excess fluid around the brain (hydrocephalus), if it occurs
Hormone therapy
For individuals with dwarfism due to growth hormone deficiency, treatment with injections of a synthetic version of the hormone may increase final height. In most cases, children receive daily injections for several years until they reach a maximum adult height — often within the average adult range for their family.
Treatment may continue throughout the teen years and early adulthood to ensure adult maturation, such as appropriate gain in muscle or fat. Some individuals may need lifelong therapy. The treatment may be supplemented with other related hormones if they are also deficient.
Treatment for girls with Turner syndrome also requires estrogen and related hormone therapy in order for them to begin puberty and achieve adult sexual development. Estrogen replacement therapy usually continues throughout life until women with Turner syndrome reach the average age of menopause.
Growth hormone supplementation for children with achondroplasia does not increase final adult height.
