Question
A nine-year-old child has been experiencing slow growth and has been diagnosed with dwarfism by the hospital. How long does it usually take to treat this condition?
Answer
In clinical practice, the expected lifespan of individuals with dwarfism is estimated based on the parents’ height during the treatment period. The treatment goals should take into account the child’s expectations comprehensively. Treatment typically consists of the first stage, which lasts for 3 to 6 months. If treatment is effective but has not reached the goal, it should continue; if the expected goal has been achieved, medication can be stopped. In most cases, short-term treatment does not show an immediate significant increase in height, so the required duration for treatment is relatively long, with an assessment of effectiveness possible only after at least 3 to 6 months.