Causes of Restricted growth

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The chief cause of PSS is thought to be a lack of the hormones responsible for growth, produced by the pituitary and thyroid glands. In some people, it is simply a result of having short parents, or a delay in growth at any stage. Defects in chromosomes can lead to alterations in the growth of girls with Turner Syndrome. Chronic illnesses, such as those affecting the lungs, heart or kidneys, may also be associated with restricted growth. In some cases, the treatment itself for a chronic illness (for example, arthritis) may inhibit the release of growth hormone into the body.

Conditions responsible for DSS are usually inherited. The most prevalent cause of disproportionate growth is achondroplasia, a genetic condition leading to shortened limbs (especially upper arms and thighs), a large skull with prominent forehead, short hands and feet, and spinal abnormalities. Hypochondroplasia is a similar condition, often diagnosed as the child develops, but the inherent abnormalities are less apparent than with achondroplasia.

A shortening of the limbs is characteristic of other conditions such as diastrophic dysplasia, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and pseudoachondroplasia.

Diseases where enzyme deficiencies cause a build-up of unwanted chemicals in the body can lead to progressive debility, including short stature. Growth is restricted as bone development is not uniform across the body. This results in mucopolysaccharides being stored in cells of the body causing progressive damage, such as Morquio Disease.