Understanding Growth Delays: A Guide to Rare Diseases in Children
Failure to thrive? Hello Dr. Hou, my daughter is currently one year and six months old, weighing 7.7 kg and measuring 73 cm in height, with a head circumference of 42 cm. She is not crawling, walking, or saying "daddy." Last year, due to developmental delays, we consult...
Dr. Hou Jiawei Reply:
At 18 months of age, the child's growth parameters show a weight of 7.7 kg, height of 73 cm, and head circumference of 42 cm, indicating growth retardation and microcephaly. Additionally, there are concerns regarding delayed motor and language development, poor appetite, and...[Read More] Understanding Growth Delays: A Guide to Rare Diseases in Children
Understanding Rare Disorders: A 28-Year-Old with Unusual Aging Symptoms
A 28-year-old person who looks like they are 50 years old? Hello Doctor, I am a 28-year-old male presenting with the following symptoms: 1. Almost complete hair loss, with no hair roots in the central part of my scalp and low hair density on the sides (I started experiencing ...
Dr. Hou Jiawei Reply:
The presence of typical frontal baldness or male pattern baldness that begins in the twenties to thirties is highly indicative of androgenetic alopecia. Additionally, abnormal thick hair growth on the chest and back that does not grow tall may suggest excessive secretion of adren...[Read More] Understanding Rare Disorders: A 28-Year-Old with Unusual Aging Symptoms
Understanding Methylmalonic Acidemia: Insights and Concerns for Families
Worried about grandma? My grandson has been confirmed by the hospital to have methylmalonic acidemia. However, he has gained 2 kilograms and grown 6 centimeters in height while drinking milk for the past two months, and he seems to be in good spirits. I have great respect for doc...
Dr. Hou Jiawei Reply:
Symptoms of methylmalonic acidemia vary by individual, but most are related to different mutations causing the deficiency. Some children may experience transient elevations in methylmalonic acid due to immature enzyme function at birth, and retesting is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Methylmalonic Acidemia: Insights and Concerns for Families
Height Concerns: Is Growth Hormone Therapy Right for You?
Height growth issues! Administering growth hormone! Please respond? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you something. I am currently looking to increase my height. Although I am not very short, I am only 166 cm tall. As I am an athlete, height is quite important to me. I would li...
Dr. Hou Jiawei Reply:
Height is influenced by parental height as well as environmental factors and diet. To determine if there is still room for growth during adolescence, it is necessary to assess the growth plates of the bones before deciding on a treatment approach. Our hospital offers private grow...[Read More] Height Concerns: Is Growth Hormone Therapy Right for You?
Understanding Clavicular and Cranial Developmental Disorders in Children
Clavicular cranial dysplasia Dear Dr. Jian, My daughter has bilateral parietal bone hypoplasia, which feels soft to the touch and covers a large area. She is currently 1 year and 4 months old, and her head circumference, height, and weight are all normal. Dr. Ma Junyi at Asia Un...
Dr. Jian Yingxiu Reply:
The softening of the parietal bone is quite common in newborns and generally does not require concern. However, it is important to monitor for any associated issues such as electrolyte metabolism disorders or congenital osteogenesis imperfecta. If there is also evidence of underd...[Read More] Understanding Clavicular and Cranial Developmental Disorders in Children
Understanding Clavicular and Cranial Hypoplasia: A Guide for Parents
Clavicular cranial dysplasia Dear Dr. Jian, I emailed you last week but I haven't received a response, and I'm not sure why. My daughter is currently one year and four months old, and the fontanelle on her head still feels soft to the touch, almost as if there is nothi...
Dr. Jian Yingxiu Reply:
The softening of the skull is quite common in newborns and generally does not require concern. However, it is important to monitor for any associated issues such as electrolyte imbalances or congenital osteogenesis imperfecta. If there is also evidence of underdevelopment in the ...[Read More] Understanding Clavicular and Cranial Hypoplasia: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Glycogen Storage Disease Type III: Can Cord Blood Help?
Glycogen storage disease type III My daughter is a patient with Glycogen Storage Disease Type III, and I am currently pregnant with my second child. I am wondering if the umbilical cord blood from the newborn could be beneficial for my daughter in the future. She is currently thr...
Dr. Lin Xiujuan Reply:
Currently, umbilical cord blood cannot treat glycogen storage disease. The storage period for cord blood in Taiwan is approximately 20 to 50 years, unless a cord blood transplantation method for this disease is developed within that timeframe. Height is related to the disease con...[Read More] Understanding Glycogen Storage Disease Type III: Can Cord Blood Help?
Understanding Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis in Children: Key Insights and Management
Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA) 1. Is there a possibility of curing this condition, or will it require lifelong medication management? 2. Will other complications arise with age, and is there a risk of eventually needing dialysis or a kidney transplant? 3. If this is due to ...
Dr. Jian Yingxiu Reply:
The issue of acidosis in children has always been a headache and a concern for many. In response to Cindy's mother's questions, we provide the following answers: 1) The most important aspect of managing acidosis is to improve the acidic environment within the body, all...[Read More] Understanding Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis in Children: Key Insights and Management