Other conditions which may/can affect growth
We support many conditions that affect growth and these are listed on our dedicated conditions page: childgrowthfoundation.org/conditions
There are, however, many more conditions that aren’t listed but will have affect on growth. Below are just a few of the more common conditions that we receive calls or queries about, with information about the conditions and support groups that are available to offer more tailored information.
We are more than happy to chat to and support families with any condition that is affecting a child’s growth and signpost on wherever needed, and we have included our nurse led Support Line details at the bottom of this page.
We will be regularly reviewing and adding to this page so if there is a condition you think should be on here that isn’t currently, please do let us know by contacting us at [email protected]
Thyroid conditions:
The thyroid is a gland that sits at the front of your neck shaped like a butterfly. It releases hormones that are really important for many things in childhood including growth, development, energy levels, metabolism and concentration.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a term which means that the thyroid is underactive (not releasing enough thyroid hormones). This could be a congenital condition (that is, a child is born with the condition) or could be acquired (developed later for example due to an auto-immune response). It could be a problem with the thyroid gland itself or a problem with the signal from the pituitary gland which tells the thyroid to release the thyroid hormones.
Signs and symptoms:
Congenital hypothyroidism can be picked up by the 5-day blood spot screen that all babies are offered. Treatment starts soon after the results are confirmed to ensure there is no impact on the babies’ growth and development.
Acquired hypothyroidism can be queried for a number of reasons. Usually:
- Slow growth
- Gaining weight easily
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Being sensitive to the cold
- A blood test will confirm the diagnosis
Treatment is with a daily dose of Levothyroxine. Most children will take this in tablet form and the dose is adjusted according to blood levels of thyroid hormones.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a term which means that the thyroid is over-active (releasing too many of the thyroid hormones). Sometimes this can be present at birth if the mother has an over-active thyroid but mostly is a condition which develops later due to an auto-immune response. You may hear a number of names for this condition including ‘thyrotoxicosis’ or ‘Graves disease’.
Signs and symptoms can include:
- Weight loss
- Nervousness/ feelings of anxiety
- Fast heart rate (palpitations)
- Shakiness/tremor
- Diarrhoea
- Unable to concentrate
- Headaches
- Bulging eyes
Treatment is usually with a daily dose of anti-thyroid medication. Sometimes a short course of a beta-blocker is also prescribed to help alleviate symptoms of palpitations and high blood pressure. Anti-thyroid medication is sometimes stopped after a few years of treatment to see if it is needed long term or more permanent treatment is required.
For more information regarding thyroid conditions please visit The British Thyroid Foundation:
Turner syndrome:
Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition that affects only girls/women. It is caused by a change in the chromosomes resulting in 1 of the X chromosomes to be missing completely or partially. The diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test.
Sometimes the condition can be found during pregnancy but can be diagnosed after birth due to signs such as neck webbing, cardiac and/ or kidney abnormalities or swelling due to excess fluid around the feet or hands. TS can sometimes be diagnosed later into childhood or adolescence when a girl has short stature or puberty is delayed.
Girls with TS will be monitored and can receive treatment depending on individual need. For example girls with TS are able to have growth hormone under NICE guidance, they may need medication to help with high blood pressure, cardiac issues or to induce puberty. They should also be monitored more closely for auto-immune conditions such as thyroid disorder or coeliac disease.
To find out more please visit Turner Syndrome Support Society UK (TSSS) at: tss.org.uk and TSSS have kindly shared the below resources – click on the images below to read and download.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH):
CAH is a genetic condition that effects the way some hormones are released from the adrenal glands: sex steroid hormones (e.g. testosterone), glucocorticoids (mainly cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (mainly aldosterone) are effected resulting in higher than normal levels of some and not enough of others. Untreated CAH can lead to low blood glucose levels, low salt levels and low blood pressure. Left untreated, it can be life threatening.
Signs and symptoms of CAH can be variable but more commonly it may be suspected in a newborn with ambiguous genitalia and experiencing low blood glucose and salt (sodium) levels. Sometimes CAH may be picked up later in children or adolescence due to early puberty, rapid growth with an advanced bone age or menstrual irregularities.
Treatment is life-long and involves taking replacement steroids everyday. Some children may also need to take medication to help balance their salt levels. Families are counselled on what to do with the steroid medication on days when a child is unwell to ensure that they have enough medication to cope with the extra demands on the body.
For more detailed information please visit The CAH Support Group website at: livingwithcah.com
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD):
SOD is the name for a condition caused by problems with the optic nerve, changes to the mid-line brain and/or changes to the structure of the pituitary gland.
Children will need to have problems with at least 2 out of the above 3 changes to be given a diagnosis of SOD. MRI scanning can confirm the diagnosis. There will usually be problems with growth, but other hormones can be affected, and there can be visual impairment. Testing will need to be carried out to assess which of the pituitary hormones need replacing with medication.
Due to the various needs of a child with SOD it’s likely that a number of specialists will be involved and a child will have regular monitoring and reviews at the hospital.
For more information please see the below links:
gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/septo-optic-dysplasia
Bone dysplasia:
Bone dysplasia (also known as skeletal dysplasia or dwarfism) is a broad term referring to many different types of conditions which affect the way bones develop causing short stature. Some types of bone dysplasia are noticeable at birth, others become more noticeable at around 3 or 4 years of age. Investigations to determine a diagnosis of bone dysplasia include, genetic testing, ultrasound scans and x-rays. Usually, a team of various healthcare professionals support individuals affected by bone dysplasia to treat and manage symptoms.
If you are looking for information and support related to bone dysplasia in the UK please contact:
Little People UK
Web: littlepeopleuk.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07925 893 398
RGA
Web: rgauk.org
Email: [email protected]
RGA Helpline: 0300 111 1970
Little People UK have kindly shared the below Dwarfism Awareness resource – click on the image below to read and download.
Our Support Line
Need to speak to someone? Our nurse led Support Line is available to anyone concerned about their child’s growth or if they have a diagnosed growth condition. We are here to listen and support you. Call us on 020 8995 0257.
Our staff work on a part time basis and if we are not able to answer your call please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively please email us at [email protected] to arrange a time to chat or complete our Support Line contact form.
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