title: Turner syndrome in Albania and the efficacy of its treatment with growth hormone.
abstract: The aim of this study was the evaluation of Turner syndrome inside the Albanian population, its clinical, cytological and genetic characteristics, the accompanying pathologies, and the efficacy of the treatment with the growth hormone. We performed a retrospective analysis of 59 patients suffering from this syndrome (aging from 5 to 23 years old). The diagnosis of female patients suffering from Turner syndrome is delayed, with a mean age at the moment of diagnosis of 13.74 years (5-23 years). The main reason for seeking medical advice was the growth retardation or a delayed puberty. Available data for 52 patients showed that the most frequent accompanying pathologies were the following: thyroid autoimmune disorders (59%), cardiovascular anomalies (43%), renal pathologies (41%), hearing impairment (4.3%) and hypertension (3.3%). Follow-up for the growth rate was possible for 52 patients out of the total of 59 patients. Twenty-five of the female patients suffering Turner syndrome and forming part of our study sample were treated with growth hormone for a period averaging 3 years and 4 months. A variety of reasons was identified as responsible for the missed treatment in 27 patients. We saw an enhanced growth (in terms of body height) within the treated subgroup, when compared with the untreated subgroup (27 patients), especially during the first 3 years of the follow-up. No side effects of this treatment were reported. Both groups of patients initiated as well a sexual hormone therapy (estrogens and progesterone) for inducing puberty at the age of 12 years. Further work is needed for an early diagnosis of this syndrome, the prompt treatment with growth hormone and the monitoring of accompanying disorders. This will ensure a better quality of life and an improvement of the longevity of patients suffering from the Turner syndrome.
authors.forename: Petrit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hoxha
authors.forename: Anila
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Babameto-Laku
authors.forename: Gentian
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5286-1265
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vyshka
authors.forename: Klodiana
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gjoka
authors.forename: Dorina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Minxuri
authors.forename: Elira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Myrtaj
authors.forename: Luljeta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Çakërri
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000415:Albania; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011627:Puberty / Q000187:drug effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013967:Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014424:Turner Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D011374:Progesterone