Uterine development in patients with Turner syndrome: relation to hormone replacement therapy and karyotype

Clinical practice guidelines for the care of girls and women with Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome (TS) affects 50 per 100 000 females. TS affects multiple organs through all stages of life, necessitating multidisciplinary care. This guideline extends previous ones and includes important new advances, within diagnostics and genetics, estrogen treatment, fertility, co-morbidities, and neurocognition and neuropsychology. Exploratory meetings were held in 2021 in Europe and United States culminating with a consensus meeting in Aarhus, Denmark in June 2023. Prior to this, eight groups addressed important areas in TS care: (1) diagnosis and genetics, (2) growth, (3) puberty and estrogen treatment, (4) cardiovascular health, (5) transition, (6) fertility assessment, monitoring, and counselling, (7) health surveillance for comorbidities throughout the lifespan, and (8) neurocognition and its implications for mental health and well-being. Each group produced proposals for the present guidelines, which were meticulously discussed by the entire group. Four pertinent questions were submitted for formal GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) evaluation with systematic review of the literature. The guidelines project was initiated by the European Society for Endocrinology and the Pediatric Endocrine Society, in collaboration with members from the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, the Society for Endocrinology, and the European Society of Cardiology, Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Australia and New Zealand Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Latin American Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Arab Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, and the Asia Pacific Pediatric Endocrine Society. Advocacy groups appointed representatives for pre-meeting discussions and the consensus meeting.

Measuring uterine cavity volume with sonohysterography: A new objective method

Introduction

The uterine cavity is a potential space with limited methods for evaluating its volume, limiting the evaluation of interventions' effectiveness in various uterine conditions. This study aims to objectively measure the uterine cavity volume using sonohysterography coupled with a Foley catheter to provide a normative model of age and parity-related uterine cavity volume.

Methods

The research included 35 women (group 1) with a total abdominal hysterectomy and 150 women (group 2) who underwent sonohysterography for various gynecologic indications. Saline infusion sonography was administered to all patients. The most common shape obtained after the saline infusion was taken to measure the uterine cavity's dimensions and volume. The uterine cavity volumes, as measured by sonohysterography, and the volumes of saline injected after the hysterectomy were compared.

Results

A significant association exists between uterine cavity volumes measured by sonohysterography and true volumes measured immediately after hysterectomy (p = 0.001). The association between uterine cavity volume measured by sonohysterography and using only a Foley catheter balloon was statistically insignificant (p = 0.13). A statistically significant positive association was observed between the uterine cavity volume and the patient's age and parity (p ⩽ 0.05).

Conclusion

Measuring the uterine cavity volume using a paediatric Foley catheter balloon coupled with sonohysterography offers an objective approach to measuring a normal (without gross pathologies) uterus volume. This technique would improve the diagnostic accuracy and the management of women with distinct uterine cavity morphologies.

Current Recommended Estrogen Dosing for Pubertal Induction in Turner Syndrome Results in Normal Uterine Growth

CONTEXT

Most individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) require estrogen for pubertal induction. Current estrogen dosing guidelines are based on expert consensus opinion.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate whether current international guidelines for estrogen dosing during pubertal induction of individuals with TS result in normal uterine growth. We hypothesized that uterine size in individuals with TS who reached adult estrogen dosing is smaller than in mature females without TS.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of patients with TS at the Cincinnati Center for Pediatric and Adult Turner Syndrome Care. Twenty-nine individuals (age 15-26 years) with primary ovarian insufficiency who reached adult estrogen dosing (100 µg of transdermal or 2 mg of oral 17β-estradiol) were included. Comparison of uterine measurements with a published sample of 292 age-appropriate (age 15-20 years) controls without TS. Uterine length, volume, and fundal-cervical ratio (FCR) were measured. Clinical information (karyotype, Tanner staging for breast development, laboratory data) was extracted from an existing institutional patient registry.

RESULTS

There was no evidence of compromise of the uterine size/configuration in the TS cohort compared with the controls; in fact, uterine length, mean 7.7 cm (±1.3) vs 7.2 cm (±1.0) (P = .03), and volume, mean 60.6 cm3 (±26.6) vs 50.5 cm3 (±20.5) (P = .02), were both larger in individuals with TS.

CONCLUSION

Current international guidelines for hormone replacement using 17β-estradiol in individuals with TS appear adequate to allow for normal uterine growth by the end of pubertal induction.

Uterine Development During Induced Puberty in Girls with Turner Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Most girls and women with Turner syndrome (TS) require estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to initiate or maintain pubertal development. Most likely, the most fundamental effect of ERT in hypogonadism is the promotion of uterine growth. The optimal ERT model is still being discussed. The present study aimed to assess uterine size in girls with TS in the prepubertal state during and after the induction of puberty and compare it to a healthy population.

METHODS

The analysis encompassed 40 TS girls. The prepubertal and postpubertal control groups contained 20 healthy girls each. All patients with TS were treated with 17-ß estradiol. Uterine imaging was performed with two-dimensional (2D) transabdominal ultrasound. The uterine volume (UV) and fundocervical antero-posterior ratio (FCR) were calculated in patients with TS before the pubertal induction, after 6-12 months of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), after ≥ 36 months of ERT or ≥ 12 months after menarche.

RESULTS

The average age of TS patients at estrogen introduction and at the last control visit, when the uterus was considered mature, was 12.9 years and 16.1 years, respectively. The UV in patients with TS at the beginning of ERT was 1.55 ± 1.22 cm³ and was not significantly different from the UV in the prepubertal controls. The mature UV in patients with TS was 31.04 ± 11.78 cm³ and was significantly smaller than the UV of the postpubertal controls (45.68 ± 12.51 cm³, p<0.001). The FCR in girls with TS did not differ significantly from that in the prepubertal and postpubertal control groups, respectively. No prognostic factors could be established for the final UV. By the last control visit, thelarche had advanced in most patients to Tanner 4 and 5 (37.5% and 40%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Before the onset of ERT, patients with TS have a uterus similar in size to that in prepubertal healthy girls. Pubertal induction in patients with TS causes a significant increase in the UV that is detectable after 6-12 months of ERT. The mature uterus is smaller in patients with TS than in the age-matched healthy population.

Effect of Dosage of 17ß-Estradiol on Uterine Growth in Turner Syndrome-A Randomized Controlled Clinical Pilot Trial

CONTEXT

Most Turner syndrome (TS) girls need exogenous estrogen treatment to induce puberty and normal uterine growth. After puberty, the optimal estrogen treatment protocol has not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

To compare 2 doses of oral 17ß-estradiol on uterine size.

DESIGN

A double-blind, 5-year randomized controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Ambulatory care.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty young TS women (19.2 ± 2.5 years, range 16.0-24.9) participated. Sixteen patients completed the study. No patients withdrew due to adverse effects.

INTERVENTION

The lower dose (LD) group took 2 mg 17ß-estradiol/d orally and placebo. The higher dose (HD) group took 4 mg 17ß-estradiol/d orally.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Uterine volume evaluated by transabdominal ultrasound yearly.

RESULTS

Uterine size increased significantly more in the HD group compared with the LD group (P = 0.038), with a gain in uterine volume within the first 3 years of treatment of 19.6 mL (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.0-19.0) in the HD group compared with 11.5 mL (95% CI = 11.2-27.9) in the LD group. The difference in 3-year gain was 8.1 mL (95% CI = 0.7-15.9). At the last visit, there were no significant differences in uterine volume between the groups.

CONCLUSION

HD oral 17ß-estradiol induces a steeper increase in uterine volume within the first years of treatment compared with the LD. However, the uterine growth potential seems to be the same in most young TS women making the duration of treatment equally significant as estrogen dose, although a few TS women did not experience sufficient uterine growth on 2 mg of estradiol.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV

NCT00134745Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; BSA, body surface area; DHEAS, dihydroepiandrosteronesulfate; HD, higher dose; HRT, hormone replacement therapy; LD, lower dose; TS, Turner syndrome; US, ultrasound.

Reduced uterine volume after induction of puberty in women with hypogonadism

OBJECTIVE

Adequate uterine growth is an essential component of pubertal induction with exogenous oestradiol in those with hypogonadism. Poor uterine development will render the individual vulnerable in the context of fertility. We assessed uterine size using ultrasound in those who had undergone pubertal induction treatment compared with a reference group who had experienced spontaneous puberty.

DESIGN

This is a single-centre, retrospective, cross-sectional study of women who underwent pubertal induction compared with a reference group.

PATIENTS

Ninety-five women with hypogonadism who had previously undergone pubertal induction and were receiving maintenance oestrogen replacement as adults were recruited: 48 women with Turner syndrome, 32 with premature ovarian insufficiency and 15 with gonadotrophin deficiency. The reference group consisted of 35 nulliparous women attending with male factor subfertility with a normal pelvis on ultrasonography.

MEASUREMENTS

Pelvic ultrasound was performed by a single observer. Uterine dimensions (total length, anterior-posterior (AP), transverse, uterine volume and fundal cervical AP ratio (FCR) measurements) were recorded. Clinical details were also recorded.

RESULTS

Those with hypogonadism had significantly reduced uterine dimensions compared with the reference group (uterine length 64 mm vs 71 mm P = <.05, uterine volume 28.9 mL vs 43.9 mL P = <.05). All women in the reference group attained a mature uterine configuration with a FCR >1, compared with 84% of those with hypogonadism (P = .01). A total of 24% and 48% of the diagnostic group had total uterine length and uterine volume measurements less than the 5th percentile of the reference group, respectively. In a subgroup of 22 women in whom serum oestradiol concentrations could be analysed, there was a positive correlation between this parameter and uterine volume.

CONCLUSION

Despite standard oestrogen therapy, uterine growth is often compromised in those with hypogonadism. Uterine health has historically been overlooked in pubertal induction protocols; however, with increasing options for fertility treatment, adequate uterine development is crucial. Given the variation in uterine size witnessed, a more tailored approach to treatment with regular monitoring of uterine dimensions should be advocated.

ESR1 polymorphism (rs2234693) influences femoral bone mass in patients with Turner syndrome

Most patients with Turner syndrome (TS) need hormone replacement therapy because of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism; individual outcomes, however, are highly variable. Our objective was to assess the influence of five estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) polymorphisms (rs543650, rs1038304, rs2046210, rs2234693 and rs9340799) on adult height, breast development, uterine volume and bone mineral density (BMD). We studied 91 TS patients from a tertiary hospital using adult estrogen dose. In our group, ESR1 rs2234693 was associated with femoral neck and total hip BMD, and it accounted for around 10% of BMD variability in both sites (P < 0.01). Patients homozygous for C allele in this polymorphism had significantly lower femoral neck BMD (0.699 ± 0.065 g/cm2 vs 0.822 ± 0.113 g/cm2, P = 0.008) and total hip BMD (0.777 ± 0.118 g/cm2 vs 0.903 ± 0.098 g/cm2, P = 0.009) than patients homozygous for T allele. The other four ESR1 polymorphisms were not able to predict any of the above estrogen therapy outcomes in an isolated manner. Patients homozygous for the haplotype GCG formed by polymorphisms rs543650, rs2234693 and rs9340799 had an even more significantly lower femoral neck BMD (0.666 ± 0.049 vs 0.820 ± 0.105 g/cm2, P = 0.0047) and total hip BMD (0.752 ± 0.093 vs 0.908 ± 0.097 g/cm2, P = 0.0029) than patients homozygous for haplotypes with a T allele in rs2234693. In conclusion, homozygosity for C allele in ESR1 rs2234693 and/or for GCG haplotype appears to be associated with lower femoral neck and total hip BMD. We believe that the identification of polymorphisms related to estrogen outcomes may contribute to individualization of treatment in TS.

Review of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Girls and Adolescents with Hypogonadism

Girls with either hypo- or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism need treatment with estrogens to initiate puberty and maintain a normal hormonal milieu. The focus of this review is hormone replacement treatment in girls with hypogonadism, to initiate and progress through puberty, and to maintain a healthy hormonal milieu in women. It also addresses what is known in the literature regarding estrogen levels in girls and women, instructive cases, practical tables for reference and application, and thoughts on future directions in this area. It represents a thorough literature review with author opinions and recommendations. Girls with normal ovarian function begin puberty on average at 10.5 years old, although there is variation according to ethnicity and degree of excess weight gain. The aim of estrogen therapy to initiate puberty is to mimic normal onset and rate of progression. On the basis of the currently available literature, when a diagnosis of hypogonadism is established, we recommend initiating treatment between age 11 and 12 years of age, with dose increases approximately every 6 months until adult levels are reached. In some situations, treatment may be delayed to allow time for diagnosis or permit more time for linear growth, or address unique risks found in girls treated for various cancers or blood disorders. When adult dosing is reached, progestins are also used to protect uterine health. This can be combined sequentially, allowing regular menstruation, or combined continuously when menstrual bleeding is not preferred. Treatment is continued until the average age of menopause, again with various considerations for longer or shorter duration on the basis of risk-benefit ratios. Transdermal estrogens are considered the most physiologic replacement and theoretically might have fewer associated risks. We review what is known about risks and outcomes and areas for future research.

Hyperandrogenism in a girl with Turner syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

The gonads of patients with Turner syndrome (TS) were previously thought to be funicular. There was no increase in androgen level. The gonad that is testis should be taken into account when the patient's serum testosterone level was abnormal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disease was excepted.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 16-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital because of chromosomal abnormalities and elevated androgen levels.

DIAGNOSIS

Turner syndrome could be diagnosed since her chromosome karyotype was 45, XO.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was given bilateral gonadectomy and hormone replacement therapies.

OUTCOME

The level of the patient's serum testosterone was <0.45 nmol/L 2 days after the operation. Postoperative pathology showed that her right gonad was testicular tissue. The patient's menstruation was normal after the treatment of hormone replacement therapy.

LESSONS

All TS patients should get Y chromosome material screening. Gonadectomy could be done for Turner syndrome patients who have hyperandrogenism or Y chromosome material.

The pubertal development mode of Chinese girls with turner syndrome undergoing hormone replacement therapy

BACKGROUND

Further knowledge about the pubertal development mode of girls with Turner syndrome (TS) who have undergone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is beneficial to the proposal of an optimal HRT regimen. This study examined the pubertal development mode of girls with TS who underwent HRT and evaluated the characteristics of optimal sex induction therapy in girls with TS.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal study over the past two decades at The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University.

PATIENTS

Seventy-one patients with TS and two groups of normal Chinese girls.

RESULTS

The total investigation time was 3.00 (2.00, 4.66) years. The interval of each stage was significantly longer (P < 0.001) in the girls with TS than that in the normal Chinese girls, except for B2-3 (P = 0.011). The uterine volumes of the girls with TS in stages B2 and 3 were greater than those of the control group (P = 0.046), whereas the uterine volume of the control group was inversely greater than that of the TS group among those who reached stages B4 and 5 (P = 0.034). During HRT, the uterine volume grew significantly from all previous stages except for breast stage 5 (B_{3 vs.2}: Z = - 2.031; P = 0.042; B_{4 vs. 3}: Z = - 2.273; P = 0.023; B_{5 vs. 4}: Z = - 1.368; P = 0.171). The paired data of 27 girls with TS showed that the uterine volume (17.93 ± 9.31 ml vs. 13.75 ± 6.67 ml) and width (2.54 ± 0.66 cm vs. 2.22 ± 0.36 cm) increased significantly during artificial cycles compared with before artificial cycles (t = - 2.79 and - 2.51, P = 0.01 and 0.018).

CONCLUSION

HRT led to normal breast development in girls with TS; half of the girls with TS in our study reached Tanner stage B5, although the uterus ultimately developed suboptimally. The girls' breasts and uteruses grew quickly at the beginning of HRT (stages B2-4). An optimal HRT regimen for girls with TS may specifically focus on Tanner stages B2-4 and artificial cycles.

Uterine dimensions in gravida 0 phase according to age, body mass index, and height in Chinese infertile women

The aim of this study was to describe the size and the shape of gravida-0 uteri in infertile Chinese Han women according to age, height, and body mass index (BMI).Registered data obtained from the Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, were collected and analyzed. The length, width, and anteroposterior diameter of the uteri of nonpregnant women aged 20 to 45 years were measured by transvaginal ultrasonography. Statistical analyses among different populations were conducted using a 1-way analysis of variance analysis or a Kruskal-Wallis H test.A total of 5726 primary infertile women were enrolled. The mean age of the sample group was 29.18 ± 4.22 years, and the mean BMI and the mean height of them were 21.51 ± 2.91 kg/m and 158.13 ± 4.71 cm, respectively. The mean uterine length, width, anteroposterior diameter, and L/W ratio were 49.33 ± 7.00 mm, 39.94 ± 7.23 mm, 44.95 ± 8.11 mm, and 1.2662 ± 0.2465, respectively. There were a statistically significant positive correlations between uterine length, width, anteroposterior diameter, and age in infertile women (all P < .001). Uterine L/W ratio gradually decreased with age, which was statistically significant (P < .001). The correlations between uterine length, width, anteroposterior diameter, and height were also considered statistically significant (all P < .001), while there was no correlation between L/W ratio and height. The results showed that uterine size and BMI had no statistical significance.The uterine length, width, and anteroposterior diameter gradually increased with increased age and height, but the increasing extents was different, and the uterine shape became rounder with age and had not changed with height in primary infertile women.

Estrogen Replacement in Turner Syndrome: Literature Review and Practical Considerations

CONTEXT

Most girls with Turner syndrome (TS) have hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and need hormonal replacement for induction of puberty and then for maintaining secondary sex characteristics, attaining peak bone mass, and uterine growth. The optimal estrogen replacement regimen is still being studied.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed for studies related to TS and puberty.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The goals of replacement are to mimic normal timing and progression of physical and social development while minimizing risks. Treatment should begin at age 11 to 12 years, with dose increases over 2 to 3 years. Initiation with low-dose estradiol (E2) is crucial to preserve growth potential. Delaying estrogen replacement may be deleterious to bone and uterine health. For adults who have undergone pubertal development, we suggest transdermal estrogen and oral progestin and discuss other approaches. We discuss linear growth, lipids, liver function, blood pressure, neurocognition, socialization, and bone and uterine health as related to hormonal replacement.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supports the effectiveness of starting pubertal estrogen replacement with low-dose transdermal E2. When transdermal E2 is unavailable or the patient prefers, evidence supports use of oral micronized E2 or an intramuscular preparation. Only when these are unavailable should ethinyl E2 be prescribed. We recommend against the use of conjugated estrogens. Once progestin is added, many women prefer the ease of use of a pill containing both an estrogen and a progestin. The risks and benefits of different types of preparations, with examples, are discussed.

Late-Onset Puberty Induction by Transdermal Estrogen in Turner Syndrome Girls-A Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) for Turner syndrome (TS) is a widely discussed topic; however, the optimal model of ERT for patients with delayed diagnosis and/or initiation of therapy is still unclear, mainly due to insufficient data. We present the results of a prospective observational single-center study in which the efficacy of late-onset puberty induction by one-regimen transdermal ERT in TS girls was evaluated.

METHODS

The analysis encompassed 49 TS girls (63.3% with 45,X) with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in whom unified transdermal ERT protocol was used for puberty induction (first two months 12.5 μg/24 h, thereafter 25.0 μg/24 h until breakthrough bleeding). Clinical visits for examination and therapy modification took place every 3-6 months. Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound examinations were performed at least twice: at the beginning and at the end of follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age at ERT induction was 15.1 (1.3) years. The duration of follow-up was 2.4 (1.1) years. Half of all the patients had at least B2 after 0.57 years, B3 after 1.1 years, B4 after 1.97 years, and menarche after 1.82 years from ERT initiation. With earlier initiation of ERT (≤14 years), B2 (p = 0.059) was achieved faster and B4 (p = 0.018) significantly slower than with the later start of ERT. Thirty-four (94.4%) patients had at least stage B3 at menarche. The karyotype, initial weight, and body mass index had no impact on puberty tempo during ERT. The uterine volume increased significantly during ERT in all the study group (p < 0.0001), and in half of the patients, the increase was at least 12.4-fold. It did not correlate with the duration of treatment (p = 0.84) or the dose of estradiol per kilogram (p = 0.78), nor did it depend on karyotype (p = 0.71) or age at ERT initiation (p = 0.28). There were no differences in ΔhSDS during ERT (p = 0.63) between the two age groups (ERT ≤14 and >14 years).

CONCLUSION

The presented easy-to-use fixed-dose regimen for late-onset puberty induction allowed for a satisfactory rate of achieving subsequent puberty stages and did not influence the growth potential.

Hypogonadism and Sex Steroid Replacement Therapy in Girls with Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome is the most common example of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism resulting from gonadal dysgenesis. Most patients present delayed, or even absent, puberty. Premature ovarian failure can be expected even if spontaneous menarche occurs. Laboratory markers of gonadal dysgenesis are well known. The choice of optimal hormone replacement therapy in children and adolescents remains controversial, particularly regarding the age at which therapy should be initiated, and the dose and route of estrogen administration. On the basis of a review of the literature, we present the most acceptable schedule of sex steroid replacement therapy in younger patients with Turner syndrome.

A Validated Normative Model for Human Uterine Volume from Birth to Age 40 Years

Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound and/or pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging are safe, accurate and non-invasive means of determining the size and configuration of the internal female genitalia. The assessment of uterine size and volume is helpful in the assessment of many conditions including disorders of sex development, precocious or delayed puberty, infertility and menstrual disorders. Using our own data from the assessment of MRI scans in healthy young females and data extracted from four studies that assessed uterine volume using transabdominal ultrasound in healthy females we have derived and validated a normative model of uterine volume from birth to age 40 years. This shows that uterine volume increases across childhood, with a faster increase in adolescence reflecting the influence of puberty, followed by a slow but progressive rise during adult life. The model suggests that around 84% of the variation in uterine volumes in the healthy population up to age 40 is due to age alone. The derivation of a validated normative model for uterine volume from birth to age 40 years has important clinical applications by providing age-related reference values for uterine volume.

Pubertal induction in hypogonadism: Current approaches including use of gonadotrophins

Primary disorders of the gonad or those secondary to abnormalities of the hypothalamic pituitary axis result in hypogonadism. The range of health problems of childhood and adolescence that affect this axis has increased, as most children now survive chronic illness, but many have persisting deficits in gonadal function as a result of their underlying condition or its treatment. An integrated approach to hormone replacement is needed to optimize adult hormonal and bone health, and to offer opportunities for fertility induction and preservation that were not considered possible in the past. Timing of presentation ranges from birth, with disorders of sexual development, through adolescent pubertal failure, to adult fertility problems. This review addresses diagnosis and management of hypogonadism and focuses on new management strategies to address current concerns with fertility preservation. These include Turner syndrome, and fertility presevation prior to childhood cancer treatment. New strategies for male hormone replacement therapy that may impinge upon future fertility are emphasized.

Effects of recombinant human growth hormone therapy on carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolisms of children with Turner syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy on carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolisms of Turner syndrome (TS). Metho d s: Total 45 patients with TS admitted between Jul. 2008 and Jun. 2011 were involved in this study. All patients received the clinical evaluation of body fat, plasma lipids, proteins and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after rhGH therapy. Results : Our results indicated a significant decrease of body fat (FAT%) from 23.56±4.21 to 18.71±2.23 but no obvious change on the level of fat mass (FM) (p>0.05) was observed after rhGH therapy. We also detected significant changes on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from (1.65±0.58 mmol/L) to (2.20±0.65 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDH-C) from (2.55±0.55 mmol/L) to (2.10±0.54 mmol/L) after rhGH exposure. However, no statistical significance was detected on the level of plasma triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO). Interestingly, the levels of plasma retinol binding protein (RbP) (32.55±4.28mg/L), transferrin (TRF) (2.95±0.40 mg/L), serum albumin (PRE) (250.00±45.50 mg/L) and albumin (propagated) (33.58±4.25 mg/L) were significantly increased. When it goes to the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) test, there were 10 impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) cases among all patients before and after rhGH therapy. No significant change was observed on homeostasis model assessment- insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) level during rhGH intervention. Conclusion : Abnormal lipid and protein metabolisms of the children with TS can be improved with rhGH therapy for 6 months.

Transitions in endocrinology: treatment of Turner's syndrome during transition

Transition in health care for young patients with Turner's syndrome (TS) should be perceived as a staged but uninterrupted process starting in adolescence and moving into adulthood. As a condition associated with high risk of short stature, cardiovascular diseases, ovarian failure, hearing loss and hypothyroidism, TS requires the attention of a multidisciplinary team. In this review paper, we systematically searched the relevant literature from the last decade to discuss the array of problems faced by TS patients and to outline their optimal management during the time of transfer to adult service. The literature search identified 233 potentially relevant articles of which 114 were analysed. The analysis confirmed that all medical problems present during childhood should also be followed in adult life. Additionally, screening for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and osteoporosis is needed. After discharge from the paediatric clinic, there is still a long way to go.