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Health‐care problems of Turner syndrome in the adult woman: a cross sectional study of a Victorian cohort and a case for transition
Author(s) -
Pedreira C. C.,
Hameed R.,
Kanumakala S.,
Zacharin M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2005.00990.x
Subject(s) - medicine , turner syndrome , cohort , comorbidity , cross sectional study , young adult , quality of life (healthcare) , pediatrics , cohort study , health care , gerontology , nursing , pathology , economics , economic growth
The aim of this study was to assess current care and to survey comorbidity in a cohort of 39 adult women with Turner syndrome in Victoria. Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) drift away from medical care as they achieve adulthood, despite the need for regular surveillance and management of associated conditions, which would reduce morbidity and prevent complications. Clinical assessment was undertaken for 39 women with TS, mean age 30.1 (±11.7) years and information was gathered through personal communication regarding past growth hormone use, oestrogen treatment, hearing loss and health problems. Twenty‐four (63.2%) had regular follow‐up, but only 17 (43.6%) had adequate recommended surveillance for comorbidities. Forty‐three percent had two or more cardiovascular risk factors. Thirty‐four (87.2%) were identified with one or more associated disorders. Uterine size was of normal adult dimensions in patients who had received oestrogen before age of 15 years. Adult care for adults with TS is suboptimal and assessment of comorbidities remains sporadic. Adequate transition guidelines and patient education are needed for long‐term management of women with TS, to impact on quality of life and longevity.