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Growth disorders in children and adolescents affected by syndromes or diseases associated with neurodysfunction
Lidia Perenc1,2, Agnieszka Guzik3,4, Justyna Podgórska-Bednarz1,2
1Institute of Physiotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Rzeszow, Hoffmanowej 25, 35-310, Rzeszów, Poland.
Insights
Approximately one-third of pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders experience short stature. This study reveals significant correlations between growth defects and specific neurological conditions like spastic cerebral palsy and hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Clinical Genetics
Background:
- A notable proportion of children and adolescents admitted for neurodevelopmental disorders exhibit short stature.
- Understanding the link between neurodysfunction and growth defects is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between short stature and various neurodysfunction-associated syndromes or diseases in pediatric patients.
- To identify specific neurological conditions with a higher prevalence of growth defects.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospitalization data from 327 children and adolescents (aged 4-18 years).
- Inclusion criteria: congenital nervous system disorders and/or neurological syndromes with at least one neurodysfunction.
- Utilized traditional and Food and Drug Administration-aligned assessment systems for diagnosing short stature.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant correlations found between short stature and specific conditions.
- Observed higher co-occurrence in operated myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus (neural tube defects, p=0.029).
- Tetraplegia (spastic cerebral palsy, p<0.001) and hypothyroidism (p=0.04) also showed significant associations with short stature.
Conclusions:
- Short stature is frequently associated with specific neurodevelopmental disorders in pediatric populations.
- Early identification and management of growth defects are essential for patients with conditions such as spastic cerebral palsy, neural tube defects, and hypothyroidism.
- Further research into the underlying mechanisms connecting neurodysfunction and growth is warranted.
Abstract:
We have observed that one in three patients admitted to the Neurological Rehabilitation Ward for Children and Adolescents due to a syndrome or disease associated with neurodysfunction is short of stature for their age. In order to identify the relationship between growth defects (short stature) and syndromes or diseases associated with neurodysfunction, we analyzed data collected during admission to the Neurological Rehabilitation Ward for Children and Adolescents. The study applied a retrospective analysis of data collected during hospitalization of 327 children and adolescents, aged 4-18 years, affected by congenital disorders of the nervous system and/or neurological syndromes associated with a minimum of one neurodysfunction. Two assessment systems were taken into account - one system traditionally applied, and another one in accordance with indications approved by the Food and Drug Administration, related to diagnosing short stature. The findings show more frequent co-occurrence of, as well as statistically significant correlations between, short stature in certain groups: operated myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus in the subgroup of neural tube defects (p = 0.029), tetraplegia in the subgroup of spastic cerebral palsy (p < 0.001), and hypothyroidism (p = 0.04) in the entire study group.
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