What is the Cost of Growth Hormone Therapy for Achondroplasia?

Achondroplasia Treatment in India – Growth Hormone Therapy Costs and Care

Achondroplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia which causes dwarfism. It is one of the rare genetic disorders that affect the development of a baby’s bones, joints and cartilage. For instance, the condition of Androplasia affects 1 in every 15,000 people in the Indian population.

The most popular treatment option available for this condition is Growth Hormone Therapy. It is a useful method for improving the significant retardation of growth in affected individuals.

Growth Hormone Therapy Costs for Achondroplasia in India

What Causes Achondroplasia?

Achondroplasia occurs due to a gene mutation in the FGFR3 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 3). It primarily affects the growth of long bones in the legs and arms. People with this condition are of an extremely short stature. They have an average height of 4 feet, 6 inches (137 centimetres).

What is the Best Age to Start Growth Hormone Treatment?

Growth hormone injections are most effective for increasing height when initiated early in childhood, before puberty and before the growth plates close. Treatment typically begins in children around 2 to 3 years of age, although some therapies are approved for children aged 1 year and older.

How is Achondroplasia Diagnosed?

Achondroplasia is typically diagnosed by using a combination of methods such as physical examination, genetic testing, X-ray, CT-scan and MRI. For instance, if either or both of the parents are affected, then a prenatal examination is conducted.

How Early Is Achondroplasia Diagnosable?

Doctors use ultrasounds to detect achondroplasia before birth. They primarily determine the length of the arms and legs of the growing foetus and whether they are shorter than average. Another sign is babies having large heads. The majority of the diagnoses of achondroplasia are not confirmed until after birth.

Can Achondroplasia be Inherited?

Achondroplasia is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It means if a child gets one defective gene from either parent, the child can be affected by the disorder. If one parent has achondroplasia, then the child has a 50% chance of getting the disorder passed down genetically.

Is Achondroplasia Dangerous?

Achondroplasia is potentially dangerous and includes complications like spinal stenosis, cervicomedullary compression, otitis media, restrictive and obstructive lung disease, amongst others. For instance, in the more severe cases, spinal stenosis can lead to paralysis.

How Long Can You Live With Achondroplasia?

The average lifespan of people with Achondroplasia is 10 years less than that of the general population. However, people who are born with a homozygous genotype for achondroplasia face mortality shortly after birth.

Individuals with Achondroplasia require evaluation and screening regularly for diagnosis of other associated symptoms. Appropriate medications and treatments can then be given to control the symptoms.