Achondroplasia in Latin America: practical recommendations for the multidisciplinary care of pediatric patients

Juan Llerena*, Chong Ae Kim, Virginia Fano, Pablo Rosselli, Paulo Ferrez Collett-Solberg, Paula Frassinetti Vasconcelos de Medeiros, Mariana del Pino, Débora Bertola, Charles Marques Lourenço, Denise Pontes Cavalcanti, Têmis Maria Félix, Antonio Rosa-Bellas, Norma Teresa Rossi, Fanny Cortes, Flávia Abreu, Nicolette Cavalcanti, Maria Cecilia Hervias Ruz, Wagner Baratela

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Achondroplasia is the most common bone dysplasia associated with disproportionate short stature, and other comorbidities, such as foramen magnum stenosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis, lumbar hyperlordosis, genu varum and spinal compression. Additionally, patients affected with this condition have higher frequency of sleep disorders, ear infections, hearing loss and slowed development milestones. Considering these clinical features, we aimed to summarize the regional experts’ recommendations for the multidisciplinary management of patients with achondroplasia in Latin America, a vast geographic territory with multicultural characteristics and with socio-economical differences of developing countries. Methods: Latin American experts (from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia) particiáted of an Advisory Board meeting (October 2019), and had a structured discussion how patients with achondroplasia are followed in their healthcare centers and punctuated gaps and opportunities for regional improvement in the management of achondroplasia. Results: Practical recommendations have been established for genetic counselling, prenatal diagnosis and planning of delivery in patients with achondroplasia. An outline of strategies was added as follow-up guidelines to specialists according to patient developmental phases, amongst them neurologic, orthopedic, otorhinolaryngologic, nutritional and anthropometric aspects, and related to development milestones. Additionally, the role of physical therapy, physical activity, phonoaudiology and other care related to the quality of life of patients and their families were discussed. Preoperative recommendations to patients with achondroplasia were also included. Conclusions: This study summarized the main expert recommendations for the health care professionals management of achondroplasia in Latin America, reinforcing that achondroplasia-associated comorbidities are not limited to orthopedic concerns.

Original languageEnglish
Article number492
JournalBMC Pediatrics
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s).

Keywords

  • Bone dysplasia
  • Dwarfism
  • FGFR3
  • Guideline
  • Management
  • Medical practice

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