Turner syndrome

Epidemiological studies based on European registry data collected mainly in the late 20th century consistently report increased morbidity and mortality in adults with Turner syndrome, owing to complications of congenital heart disease, ischaemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.[9]Stochholm K, Juul S, Juel K, et al. Prevalence, incidence, diagnostic delay, and mortality in Turner syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91:3897-3902. http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/91/10/3897.full http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16849410?tool=bestpractice.com [51]Schoemaker MJ, Swerdlow AJ, Higgins CD, et al. Mortality in women with Turner syndrome in Great Britain: a national cohort study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93:4735-4742. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18812477?tool=bestpractice.com It is hoped that much of the excess morbidity and mortality may be prevented for the current generation by early diagnosis and effective screening for these conditions. Timely initiation of preventative treatments, including appropriate oestrogen therapy, healthy diet and exercise, statin treatment for individuals with high risk for ischaemic heart disease, and surveillance and treatment of congenital heart defects, is mandatory.