Achondroplasia Health Article

Prognosis

The prognosis for most people with achondroplasia is very good. In general, they have minimal medical problems, normal IQ, and most achieve success and have a long life regardless of their stature. The most serious medical barriers to an excellent prognosis are the neurologic complications that can arise in achondroplasia. Spinal cord compression is thought to increase the risk for SIDS to 7.5% in infants with achondroplasia and can lead to life-long complications such as paralysis if untreated. Obesity can increase the risk for heart disease and some studies have revealed an increased risk of unexplained death in the fourth and fifth decade of life.

Successful social adaptation plays an important role in the ultimate success and happiness of an individual with achondroplasia. It is very important that the career and life choices of an individual with achondroplasia not be limited by preconceived ideas about their abilities.

BOOKS

Ablon, Joan. Living with Difference: Families with Dwarf Children. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishing, 1988.

PERIODICALS

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Genetics. "Health Supervision for Children With Achondroplasia." Pediatrics 95, no 3 (March 1995): 443-51.

ORGANIZATIONS

Little People of America, Inc. National Headquarters, PO Box 745, Lubbock, TX 79408. (806) 737-8186 or (888) LPA-2001. lpadatabase@juno.com. <http://www.lpaonline.org>.

WEBSITES

The Human Growth Foundation. <http://www.hgfound.org/>

Little People of America: An Organization for People of Short Stature. <http://www.lpaonline.org/lpa.html>

Kathleen Fergus, MS