Related Experiment Videos
Oxandrolone increases final height in Turner syndrome
P Crock1, G A Werther, H N Wettenhall
1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Oxandrolone treatment significantly increased height velocity and estimated mature height in girls with Turner syndrome, with final adult height showing a mean gain of 5 cm. This anabolic steroid demonstrates long-term efficacy in improving growth outcomes for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Genetics and Genetic Diseases
Background:
- Turner syndrome is a genetic condition affecting females, often associated with short stature.
- Growth hormone therapy is standard, but anabolic steroids are sometimes considered for height enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of oxandrolone on height in girls with Turner syndrome.
- To determine if oxandrolone treatment leads to a significant increase in final adult height.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 35 girls with Turner syndrome received oxandrolone treatment.
- Treatment duration ranged from 12 months to 6 years, with dosages varying.
- Height velocity, standard deviation score (SDS), and estimated mature height (EMH) were monitored.
Main Results:
- Height velocity significantly increased during oxandrolone therapy and was maintained for up to two years.
- Oxandrolone dose correlated with height velocity.
- Both height SDS and EMH showed significant increases by the end of treatment.
- Final height in a subset of patients was not significantly different from EMH, indicating a mean gain of 5 cm.
Conclusions:
- Oxandrolone therapy effectively enhances linear growth in girls with Turner syndrome.
- The treatment leads to a significant increase in both growth velocity and estimated mature height.
- Oxandrolone represents a viable therapeutic option for improving final height outcomes in Turner syndrome.