Significance and considerations of early diagnosis and treatment for improving height outcomes in children with achondroplasia
LI Li, XIONG Feng
Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders/Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders/Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Chongqing 400014, China
Abstract：Achondroplasia (ACH) is a common skeletal dysplasia in children, primarily caused by mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. These mutations disrupt the process of endochondral ossification in different types of bones, including long bones of the limbs and vertebrae. Children with ACH typically present with short stature and may experience severe multi-system complications. The diagnosis of ACH is based on typical clinical manifestations, imaging features, and genetic testing results. Treatment options mainly include pharmacological interventions and surgical procedures aimed at improving height, as well as symptomatic management for associated complications. This article discusses both prenatal and clinical diagnostic approaches for ACH, as well as treatment strategies focused on enhancing height, aiming to deepen the understanding of this condition.
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