Growth and growth hormone treatment in Turner syndrome

Short stature is a universal clinical feature of Turner syndrome (TS). Growth failure begins in fetal life and adults with TS average 20 cm shorter than the normal female population. GH is effective in improving height velocity and final adult stature in TS. The most important factors determining GH efficacy are young age at initiation of therapy, long duration of therapy, daily administration and adequate dosing. GH should be initiated as soon as growth failure is demonstrated, hopefully while the child's stature is still in the normal range. Most girls with TS diagnosed in infancy or early childhood can now anticipate a normal or near-normal height.