Uterine development in Turner syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate uterine development of women with Turner syndrome (TS) receiving conventional medical care.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional study we used ultrasonography for uterine evaluation in 86 women with TS 18 to 45 years of age participating in an intramural NIH study, and who had abnormal karyotypes in >70% of white blood cells. Outcomes were uterine dimensions and shape. Information on hormone treatment was obtained by personal interview.


RESULTS
Twenty-five percent had a mature in size and shape uterus, and 31% had an immature uterus, with the remainder in a transitional category. Twenty percent of all participants were not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the preceding year. The majority on treatment were taking conjugated estrogens (CE) or oral contraceptives (OC). Factors associated with uterine maturity were history of spontaneous puberty and duration and type of HRT, with estradiol-based treatment being the most effective. The age at starting HRT was not a critical factor.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with TS may develop a normal uterus even at a late start of HRT given adequate duration of treatment and regardless of karyotype.
Bakalov
Vladimir K
VK
Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1103, USA. bakalov@mail.nih.gov
Shawker
Thomas
T
Ceniceros
Irene
I
Bondy
Carolyn A
CA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008572:Menarche; D008875:Middle Aged; D014424:Turner Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004967:Estrogens; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)