Turner Syndrome Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Turner Syndrome, including details on symptoms, causes, chromosomes, prognosis.

Uterine development in Turner syndrome.

Bakalov VK, Shawker T, Ceniceros I, Bondy CA

Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1103, USA. bakalov@mail.nih.gov

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate uterine development of women with Turner syndrome (TS) receiving conventional medical care. STUDY DESIGN: In a cross-sectional study we used ultrasonography for uterine evaluation in 86 women with TS 18 to 45 years of age participating in an intramural NIH study, and who had abnormal karyotypes in >70% of white blood cells. Outcomes were uterine dimensions and shape. Information on hormone treatment was obtained by personal interview. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent had a mature in size and shape uterus, and 31% had an immature uterus, with the remainder in a transitional category. Twenty percent of all participants were not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the preceding year. The majority on treatment were taking conjugated estrogens (CE) or oral contraceptives (OC). Factors associated with uterine maturity were history of spontaneous puberty and duration and type of HRT, with estradiol-based treatment being the most effective. The age at starting HRT was not a critical factor. CONCLUSIONS: Women with TS may develop a normal uterus even at a late start of HRT given adequate duration of treatment and regardless of karyotype.

Published 26 October 2007 in J Pediatr, 151(5): 528-31, 531.e1.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Turner Syndrome Research Today. All Rights Reserved.