Question

The Lorain-Levi syndrome is due to
A) Hyper functioning of the pituitary
B) Hypothyroidism
C) Hyperthyroidism
D) Deficiency of growth hormone

Answer 1

The Lorain Levi disorder can be present at birth or develop during the early years of childhood. It is a very rare form of dwarfism caused by the lack of production of a particular hormone.

Complete answer:
Dwarfism occurs when there are various defects in the physical growth of an individual. This is generally due to malfunctioning of the pituitary gland. The pituitary is divided into two regions: anterior and posterior. The anterior pituitary produces six hormones including growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, and prolactin. The posterior pituitary produces antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin. Growth related problems are therefore due to disorders with the anterior half. In Lorain Levi syndrome, there is a deficiency of Somatomedin C, a hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone. This hormone stimulates bone growth. The low levels of Somatomedin C indicate that growth hormone is deficient.
(A) cannot be the correct answer because hyper functioning would have the opposite effect, leading to gigantism.
Option (B) and (C) do not apply as malfunctioning of the thyroid gland affects overall metabolism, not growth directly. Hypo and hyperthyroidism can lead to mental disabilities in the growing child leading to cretinism, and in adults, disorders like goitre and acromegaly.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: Lorain Levi syndrome is a form of pituitary dwarfism. In this kind of dwarfish, overall growth of the individual is proportionately affected. In the growing child, their bone growth is generally two years behind their peers.