Clinical features of women with Turner syndrome experiencing transition period in Japan.

ABSTRACT

Turner syndrome results from the entire or partial loss of the second X chromosome, and is associated with a number of medical problems. Affected women require long-term medical follow-up. This study investigated the status of medical follow-up focusing on the transition for young adult women with Turner syndrome (TS). The clinical profiles of 63 women with TS over the age of 16 were retrospectively examined. Thirty-three women are continuously followed by pediatric endocrinologists at our pediatric division. Twenty women were transferred to gynecologists as primary care physicians. Eight young adult women dropped out of the regular health check-up from our pediatric division even though 7 women were undergoing estrogen replacement therapy. We further reviewed the complications and management of the 33 women who were continuously followed at our pediatric division. A high incidence of obesity and liver dysfunction were observed in this age group (23.5±8.7). Nineteen out of 33 women consulted a cardiologist in the adult care division for cardiovascular complications. In the analysis of 20 women who were transferred to gynecologists, mainly two gynecologists accepted the transfer and have become accustomed to clinical care for TS. Seven women who were followed by the gynecologist in our facility were adequately managed for lifelong complications. Since there is no clear framework for transition in Japan, coordination with other specialists, especially gynecologists, is essential for the successful management of adult women with TS. Patient education and provision of information are required for establishing self-advocacy, which will prevent drop-out.