Turner+Syndrome

=Turner Syndrome=

Table of Contents: 1. Introduction/Chromosomal Abnormality 2. Symptoms 3. Therapies



Introduction/Chromosomal Abnormality:
The [|Ullrich-Turner Syndrome], commonly known as Turner Sydrome, consists of many conditions, the most common monosomy X. Monosomy X is a condition where instead of having XX sex chromosomes in females, they only have one X sex chromosome that is present and fully functional. In some cases, someone may have both X chromosomes, but one will be abnormal or nonfunctional. Turner Syndrome is [|diagnosed] either at birth or when puberty is supposed to take place. To diagnose Turner Syndtome, a special blood test called a karyotype is performed. A normal female karyotype is 46 XX, while someone with Turner Syndrome's karyotype would be 45 X. This condition occurs in about one out of 2500 female births. There is no known cause for Turner Syndrome.

[|Symptoms]:

 * short height (average final adult [|height]is 4 feet 7 inches)
 * Lymphoedema (swelling) of the hands and feet
 * broad chest
 * low hairline
 * low ears
 * sterility
 * underdeveloped ovaries
 * absent menstrual period
 * weight gain, obesity
 * mishaped thorax of heart
 * shortened metacarpal IV (on hand)
 * small fingernails
 * webbed neck
 * undeveloped aorta
 * underdeveloped breasts
 * abnormal bone structure
 * misconstructed kidney
 * visual conditions (Scalera Cornea, Glaucoma, etc.)

Each case of Turner Syndrome is unique, and no two sets of symptoms are alike. Many females with Turner Syndrome are at a [|higher risk] for high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, cataracts, osteoporosis and thyroid problems.

Therapies:
Because it is a chromosomal condition, there is no [|cure]for Turner Syndrome. [|Growth] Hormones are used for girls to grow to a more average height. A girl afftected by Turner Syndrome can be an average height, if treated early with growth hormones. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Growth Hormonal therapies for women affected by Turner Syndrome. Most insurance plans also cover the cost of these drugs. [|Estrogen] replacement can help aid in sexual development. If started at the ages of 12 or 13, these hormomes can help stimulate breast development and menstral periods. This treatment cannot reverse infertility. [|Cardiac] surgery is sometimes needed to help related heart abnormalities. [|Reproductive] stratagies can also help a woman with Turner Syndrome become pregnant. Fertilized donor eggs can make an embryo, then be inserted into the uterus of a woman with Turner Syndrome. With additional hormone treatment, this woman can then eventually give birth.

media type="youtube" key="_vk2PhaND14&hl=en" height="355" width="425" This video was made by a woman with Turner Syndrome, and describes the affects of Turner Syndrome on her life.