Abstract
Bone mineral content of subjects with Turner's syndrome has been found smaller than predicted by age and sex. Bone mineral content related to bone width (BMC/BW) of 19 patients with Turner's syndrome not yet receiving estrogen replacement therapy (mean age: 11 yrs;range: 6-15 yrs) and of 22 patients receiving exogenous estrogens (mean age: 17 yrs 7/12; range: 11 yrs 8/12-28 yrs 4/12) was evaluated by single photon absorptiometry of distal forearm. In both groups BMC/BW was significantly reduced (p < 0.025 and p < 0.0001 respectively )when compared with normal subjects. Seven patients with Turner's syndrome, in whom estrogen replacement therapy had begun at a chronological age less than 14 yrs, have been examined longitudinally to evaluate the role of estrogens in bone mineralization. The average increase in BMC/BW was 11% and 7% at 6 and 18 months respectively, after the beginning of therapy. However, the BMC/BW values remained below normal. Our data confirm a deficit in bone mass in patients with Turner's syndrome; bone demineralization is present also at prepubertal age. In our experience, precocious estrogen treatment (11-14 yrsl can improve bone mass in patients with Turner's syndrome.
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Gargantini, L., Weber, G., Braggion, F. et al. BONE MINERAL CONTENT IN TURNER'S SYNDROME. Pediatr Res 23, 127 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198801000-00156
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198801000-00156
