Cardiac abnormalities in girls with Turner syndrome: ECG abnormalities, myocardial strain imaging, and karyotype-phenotype associations.

Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal condition which is associated with an increased prevalence of cardiac morbidity and mortality. In this cross-sectional study, Minnesota-based electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, aortic dimensions, routine- and myocardial strain echocardiographic parameters, and karyotype-cardiac phenotype associations were assessed in girls with TS. In total, 101 girls with TS (0-18 years) were included. The prevalence of major ECG abnormalities was 2% (T-wave abnormalities) and 39% had minor ECG abnormalities. Dilatation of the ascending aorta (z-score > 2) was present in 16%, but the prevalence was much lower when using TS-specific z-scores. No left ventricular hypertrophy was detected and the age-matched global longitudinal strain was reduced in only 6% of the patients. Cardiac abnormalities seemed more common in patients with a non-mosaic 45,X karyotype compared with other karyotypes, although no statistically significant association was found. Lowering the frequency of echocardiography and ECG screening might be considered in girls with TS without cardiovascular malformations and/or risk factors for aortic dissection. Nevertheless, a large prospective study is needed to confirm our results. The appropriate z-score for the assessment of aortic dilatation remains an important knowledge gap. The karyotype was not significantly associated with the presence of cardiac abnormalities, therefore cardiac screening should not depend on karyotype alone.

Karyotype - Phenotype Associations in Patients with Turner Syndrome.

Variation in karyotype may be associated with the phenotype of patients with Turner syndrome (TS). Our objective was to identify these associations between karyotype and phenotype in TS patients. This study was part of the European multicentre dsd-LIFE study. We evaluated the associations between different karyotypes of TS patients and age at diagnosis, Turner stigmata, cardiac/renal involvement and gonadal function. Information was available for 328 TS patients. Participants had a monosomy 45,X (46%), mosaicism 45,X/46,XX (10%), karyotype with isochromosome (18%), or other karyotype (26%). The clinical signs of TS were the most severe in patients with monosomy 45,X and the least severe in patients with mosaicism 45,X/46,XX. Patients with isochromosome and y-material showed an intermediate phenotype. Despite the more severe features in patients with monosomy 45,X, the median age at diagnosis was only slightly lower compared to patients with other karyotypes, which suggests opportunities for improvement of knowledge and diagnostics.

[Manifestations of Turner syndrome: don't miss the diagnosis]. / Uitingsvormen van Turner-syndroom.

Turner syndrome (TS) is one of the most common sex chromosomal abnormalities affecting girls and women. Diagnosis of this condition can be delayed due to a variation in clinical presentation, although an early age at diagnosis is important for several reasons. It enables psychosocial support for girls and their parents; early initiation of growth hormone therapy; puberty induction at an appropriate age; early recognition of comorbidities, such as cardiac or renal abnormalities; and timely removal of the gonads in girls with Y-chromosomal material, who are at risk for gonadoblastoma. By increasing the knowledge of health care professionals and implementing screening programs for girls with short stature, delayed puberty and/or congenital heart disease such as coarctation of the aorta, more girls might be diagnosed at an early age. This allows for lifelong follow up, which is indicated to prevent morbidity and mortality in the long term.

Socioeconomic status in patients with Turner syndrome.

Background: Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition with a broad phenotypic spectrum. In contrast to the medical conditions, socioeconomic factors are not well understood. Our goal was to evaluate the socioeconomic status (SES) among women with TS in a European-wide cohort, and to look for possible associated factors. Methods: This study was part of the multicenter dsd-LIFE study, including 328 women with TS. We evaluated SES (education, occupation and income) using patient-reported outcomes. Furthermore, information was collected on karyotype, age at diagnosis, comorbidity, marital status, social integration and discrimination. Reference data on SES were retrieved from the European Social Survey. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare SES of the study population with the reference population, and to analyze possible associated factors. Results: Women with TS showed a high level of education, employment status and satisfaction with income. In contrast, fewer women were living together and fewer social activities were reported compared with the reference population. The latter factors were more strongly associated with SES than medical factors. The unemployment rate was the highest in TS women aged 26-30 years, while a low education was associated with a later age at diagnosis. No major differences in SES were found among the different karyotype groups. Conclusions: The SES in women with TS was generally comparable with the reference population, although they were less frequently living with a partner or having social activities. More attention is needed for (early) psychosocial screening and support, and strategies for earlier diagnosis of TS are necessary.

No QTc Prolongation in Girls and Women with Turner Syndrome.

CONTEXT: Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition that is reported to be associated with a prolonged rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of QTc prolongation in patients with TS, to compare their QTc intervals with healthy controls, and to investigate whether QTc prolongation is associated with a monosomy 45,X karyotype. METHOD: Girls (n = 101) and women (n = 251) with TS visiting our center from 2004-2018 were included in this cross-sectional study. QT intervals of 12-leaded electrocardiograms were measured manually, using Bazett's and Hodges formulas to correct for heart rate. A QTc interval of >450 ms for girls and >460 ms for women was considered prolonged. Corrected QT (QTc) intervals of patients with TS were compared to the QTc intervals of healthy girls and women from the same age groups derived from the literature. RESULTS: In total, 5% of the population with TS had a prolonged QTc interval using Bazett's formula and 0% using Hodges formula. Mean QTc intervals of these patients were not prolonged compared with the QTc interval of healthy individuals from the literature. Girls showed shorter mean QTc intervals compared with women. We found no association between monosomy 45,X and prolongation of the QTc interval. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the QTc interval in girls and women with TS is not prolonged compared with the general population derived from the literature, using both Bazett's and Hodges formulas. Furthermore, girls show shorter QTc intervals compared with women, and a monosomy 45,X karyotype is not associated with QTc prolongation.