Impact of Growth Hormone on Adult Bone Quality in Turner Syndrome - A High Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography Study

Caused by total or partial X-monosomy, Turner Syndrome (TS) is the most common chromosomal disorder in females. Commonly associated features include short stature, ovarian failure and osteoporosis in adult years. Childhood short-stature in TS is commonly treated with growth hormone (GH).

This historic cohort-study using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) was conducted to determine the effect of childhood GH treatment on adult bone quality in TS women. Karyotype confirmed TS women aged 16-45 years were recruited (N=28). GH-treated subjects were 7.4 cm taller than non-GH-treated (p<0.05). Groups were similar in regard to known bone health risk factors. GH-treated subjects had significantly larger bone areas (9-25%, p<0.05) by DXA and HR-pQCT. Bone densities, micro-architecture and estimated fracture thresholds were not different among treatment groups.

While no micro-architectural benefits were observed with GH-treatment, the persistent macro-structural differences may provide advantages in future fracture risk.