Abstract
Caused by total or partial X-monosomy, Turner Syndrome (TS) is the most common
chromosomal disorder in females. Commonly associated features include short stature,
ovarian failure and osteoporosis in adult years. Childhood short-stature in TS is commonly
treated with growth hormone (GH).
This historic cohort-study using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high resolution
peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was conducted to determine the
effect of childhood GH treatment on adult bone quality in TS women. Karyotype confirmed
TS women aged 16-45 years were recruited (N=28). GH-treated subjects were 7.4 cm taller
than non-GH-treated (p<0.05). Groups were similar in regard to known bone health risk
factors. GH-treated subjects had significantly larger bone areas (9-25%, p<0.05) by DXA
and HR-pQCT. Bone densities, micro-architecture and estimated fracture thresholds were
not different among treatment groups.
While no micro-architectural benefits were observed with GH-treatment, the
persistent macro-structural differences may provide advantages in future fracture risk.
