Pubertal height gain in Ullrich-Turner syndrome
S Bechtold1, R Dalla Pozza, H Schmidt
1University Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Munich, Germany. Susanne.Bechtold@med.uni-muenchen.de
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|September 26, 2006
Summary
Early growth hormone (GH) treatment in Ullrich-Turner syndrome (UTS) can improve final height. Initiating GH therapy early is recommended to facilitate timely puberty and optimize growth outcomes for girls with UTS.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Genetics and Genetic Diseases
Background:
- Ullrich-Turner syndrome (UTS) is characterized by short stature and ovarian failure.
- Identifying factors influencing final height in UTS is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the age of puberty initiation on final height in girls with UTS.
- To assess the effectiveness of growth hormone (GH) therapy in relation to puberty timing.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 65 girls with UTS treated with GH.
- Comparison of final heights between GH-treated and non-GH-treated groups.
- Subgroup analysis of GH-treated girls based on age at puberty induction (before vs. after 13 years).
Main Results:
- GH-treated girls achieved a final height of 150.6 cm, while the non-GH-treated group reached 147.3 cm.
- No significant difference in final height was observed when puberty induction occurred before or after 13 years in the GH-treated group.
- Final height was influenced by the initiation age of GH treatment, height SDS at puberty onset, and GH therapy duration.
Conclusions:
- Early initiation of GH treatment in girls with UTS is recommended.
- Early GH therapy may enable age-appropriate puberty induction, contributing to better final height outcomes.
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