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.
Refereed
Yes
Sponsorship
Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute. Canadian Pediatric Endocrine Group (CPEG). Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (CSEM). Osteoporosis Canada.