Dwarfism

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Recommended: Essays on the treatments of pituitary dwarfism

The term dwarfism is defined as any adult that measures 4 feet 10 inches in height or less (Knight 388). There are around 200 known cases of dwarfism that result mainly from genetic disorders. Of the 200 types of dwarfism, Achondroplasia is the case most often identified (Sandhyarani). Other types of dwarfism that are heard more often consist of Primordial dwarfism, Pituitary Dwarfism, and Turner Syndrome. One of the most misunderstood facts about dwarfism is that it is not a disease, it is most often the culprit of a genetic disorder.

Achondroplasia, the most known type of dwarfism, is followed by numerous symptoms and indications. “This disorder is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder [and is] caused due to abnormalities in the autosomal dominant gene found on autosomal chromosome” (Parekh). Individuals who are diagnosed with Achondroplasia are famous for having a seemingly large head with much shorter arms and legs, a prominent forehead with a protruding jaw, and misaligned teeth (“Symptoms of Dwarfism). More common and noticeable symptoms include a forward curve of the lower spine and the famous bowleggedness we see in many of diagnosed cases.

Another famous type of dwarfism in existence is Primordial Dwarfism. This form of dwarfism has many more health risks involved than other forms being that symptoms occur as early as in the womb. Quite often the limbs of a person with primordial dwarfism are proportioned to their body, but they suffer from being extremely undersized and underweight. The symptoms that occur while the person is still a fetus consist of little noticed growth of mother’s belly, labor pains begin early at 35 weeks and lead to premature birth; and after birth, the organs of the newborn are f...

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...2010. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 12 Nov. 2011.

Parekh, Nilesh. "Achondroplasia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. 13 Nov. 2011.

"Pituitary dwarfism” - definition of pituitary dwarfism in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia." Medical Dictionary. Web. 13 Nov. 2011.

"Pseudoachondroplasia | Definition and Patient Education | Healthline." Medical Information for Healthy Living | Healthline. Web. 13 Nov. 2011.

Sandhyarani, Ningthoujam. "Dwarfism Types." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. 12 Nov. 2011.

"Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita - Genetics Home Reference." Genetics Home Reference - Your guide to understanding genetic conditions. Web. 14 Nov. 2011.

"Symptoms of Dwarfism ." Dwarfism Web Page. Web. 11 Nov. 2011.

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