The main clinical manifestations of growth retardation are short stature, accompanied by or without intellectual impairment, and the second sexual sign is undeveloped. For the growth retardation caused by endocrine diseases, the treatment options are different because of different symptoms and manifestations.
Hypothyroidism
The growth retardation caused by this reason is characterized by short stature, disproportionate limbs, slow tooth development, and mental retardation. If these symptoms occur, the diagnosis can be made by examining thyroid function.
Treatment: The symptoms can be improved by timely supplementation of thyroid hormones.
Pituitary Dwarfism
Children may be born with normal body length and weight, but after a few months, the growth of the body is slow. When they are 2-3 years old, there is a significant difference between children of the same age. Their growth rate is very slow, but the body is generally symmetrical. When they reach adulthood, the height is not more than 130 cm, intelligence is normal, sexual organs are not developed, and the second sexual characteristics are absent. The level of growth hormone in these patients decreased significantly. Nearly 80% of the patients had unknown etiology and were often diagnosed as idiopathic growth hormone deficiency dwarfism. Patients may also be secondary to hypothalamic-pituitary tumors, such as craniopharyngiomas, neurofibromas, or intracranial infections.
Treatment: Human growth hormone replacement therapy is effective for 80% of patients. If it is secondary pituitary dwarfism, such as intracranial tumors, surgery can be carried out.
Turner syndrome
It is also called congenital ovarian dysplasia syndrome because of the absence of an X chromosome. The main manifestations are short stature, generally not more than 150 cm, mild mental retardation, amenorrhea, a special face, secondary sexual immaturity.
Treatment: Current treatment methods are mainly hormone therapy for secondary sexual sign immaturity, which can’t be cured. Gene testing before pregnancy can prevent the birth of Turner syndrome patients.
Kirschner’s syndrome
This is a genetic disease of the cell, mostly is chromosomal abnormalities (one more X chromosome), also known as testicular seminiferous tubule dysplasia. The main manifestations were hypoplasia of the second sexual sign; no laryngeal knot, beard, axillary hair and pubic hair; small testicles; tall (up to 170cm); the lower half is longer than the upper body; normal or mild mental retardation.
Treatment: Androgen replacement therapy is needed.
Others: Cartilage dystrophy, glycogen accumulation and mucopolysaccharidosis can also lead to growth retardation. The former is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease, and there is no special treatment at present. The latter two are caused by an enzyme deficiency, which can be treated according to the etiology.
In the process of children’s development, parents should pay close attention to children’s development, such as intelligence, height, weight, secondary sexual characteristics, and find out the problems and see a doctor in time.