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Turner syndrome is a genetic condition in which a female does not have the usual pair of two X chromosomes.
Alternative NamesBonnevie-Ullrich syndrome; Gonadal dysgenesis; Monosomy X
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsHumans have 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes contain all of your genes and DNA, the building blocks of the body. Two of these chromosomes, the sex chromosomes, determine if you become a boy or a girl. Females normally have two of the same sex chromosomes, written as XX. Males have an X and a Y chromosome (written as XY).
In Turner syndrome, cells are missing all or part of an X chromosome. The condition only occurs in females. Most commonly, the female patient has only one X chromosome. Others may have two X chromosomes, but one of them is incomplete. Sometimes, a female has some cells with two X chromosomes, but other cells have only one.
Turner syndrome occurs in about 1 out of 2,000 live births.
SymptomsPossible symptoms in young infants include:
- Swollen hands and feet
- Wide and webbed neck
A combination of the following symptoms may be seen in older females:
- Absent or incomplete development at puberty, including sparse pubic hair and small breasts
- Broad, flat chest shaped like a shield
- Drooping eyelids
- Dry eyes
- Infertility
- No periods (absent menstruation)
- Short height
- Vaginal dryness, can lead to painful intercourse
Turner syndrome can be diagnosed at any stage of life. It may be diagnosed before birth if chromosome analysis is done during prenatal testing.
The doctor will perform a physical exam and look for signs of underdevelopment. Infants with Turner syndrome often have swollen hands and feet.
The following tests may be performed:
- Blood hormone levels (luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone)
- Echocardiogram
- Karyotyping
- MRI of the chest
- Ultrasound of reproductive organs and kidneys
- Pelvic exam
Turner syndrome may also alter various estrogen levels in the blood and urine.
TreatmentGrowth hormone may help a child with Turner syndrome grow taller. Estrogen replacement therapy is often started when the girl is 12 or 13 years old. This helps trigger the growth of breasts, pubic hair, and other sexual characteristics.
Women with Turner syndrome who wish to become pregnant may consider using a donor egg.
Support GroupsFor additional information and resources, see:
Turner Syndrome Society -- www.turnersyndrome.org
Expectations (prognosis)Those with Turner syndrome can have a normal life when carefully monitored by their doctor.
Complications- Arthritis
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Heart defects
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Middle ear infections
- Obesity
- Scoliosis (in adolescence)
There is no known way to prevent Turner syndrome.
ReferencesT Morgan. Turner syndrome: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:405-410.
What else can I help you with?
Does Missy Marlowe have Turner's syndrome?
Yes and she is also the spokesperson for the Turner Syndrome Society.
Can Turner Syndrome be inherited?
Turner syndrome can rarely be inherited
Does turner syndrome occur in boys?
No, Turner syndrome affects girls.
What is the more common name of monosomy X?
Turner syndrome or Ullrich-Turner syndrome.
Has anyone been cured from turner's syndrome?
No, nobody has been cured from Turner syndrome.
Is turner syndrome more often in females?
Turner syndrome only occurs in females
Is turner syndrome found in a particular sex?
Turner's syndrome is only found in females.
How long do people with turner syndrome live?
people (girls/women) with turner syndrome live as long as regular people do....turner syndrome does not affect life spancy
Is there an actress on NCIS with turner syndrome?
Linda Hunt on NCIS Los Angeles has Turner's Syndrome.
Are klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome results of nondisjunction of autosomes?
No, Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome are the result of nondisjunction of sex chromosomes. Klinefelter syndrome is caused by an extra X chromosome (XXY), while Turner syndrome is due to a missing X chromosome (XO).
What heart problems are caused by Turner syndrome?
Cardiovascular malformations are well-recognized congenital anomalies in Turner syndrome. Dilation and dissection of the aorta are reported in approximately half of women with Turner syndrome
What is the method of transport for the turner syndrome?
Turner syndrome cannot be transported from one person to another as it is a chromosomal disorder.
