Girls with Turner syndrome may exhibit certain physical and anatomical abnormalities, particularly short stature and underdeveloped ovaries. Other physical characteristics of females with TS may include a short, thick neck; arms that turn out slightly at the elbows; and a low hairline at the back of the head.
However, it's important to note that growth failure may be the only outward sign of TS. Over time, cardiovascular, kidney, thyroid, ear, and skeletal problems may also arise, but these conditions vary among individuals.
Outward symptoms of Turner syndrome may be easy to see:
- Short stature
- Webbing of the neck
- Low-set, rotated ears
- Arms that turn out slightly at the elbows
- Low hairline at the back of the head
Internal signs of Turner syndrome may be harder to identify:
- Not reaching sexual maturity
- Menstruation not starting
• Poorly developed ovaries - Joint and bone problems
- Thyroid problems
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Kidney problems
- Heart problems
- Repeated ear infections
- Infertility
- A high, arched palate in the mouth
References
Lifshitz F, ed. Pediatric Endocrinology. 4th ed. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker Inc; 2003.Lippe BM, Saenger PH. Turner syndrome. In: Sperling MA, ed. Pediatric Endocrinology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. 2002:519-564.
Saenger P, Wikland KA, Conway GS, et al. Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Turner syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86:3061-3069.
Wilson JD, Foster DW, Kronenberg HM, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1998.
WHO IS NUTROPIN FOR?
Nutropin® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] and Nutropin AQ® [somatropin (rDNA origin) injection] are human growth hormone, available by prescription only.
Doctors prescribe Nutropin for children and teenagers with growth failure who:
- do not make enough growth hormone on their own
- have chronic renal insufficiency—a slow loss of kidney function—and have not had a transplant
- have Turner syndrome
- are not likely to grow to their potential adult height, as determined by a doctor, and whose bones are still able to grow
Doctors prescribe Nutropin for adults who:
- have growth hormone deficiency that started either in childhood or as an adult due to brain surgery, radiation therapy, trauma, or diseases of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.
Your doctor will test to see if growth hormone is right for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Nutropin and your safety:
Please read this important safety information carefully. Then, if you have any questions, talk with your doctor.
Nutropin is NOT for:
- children and teenagers whose bones have finished growing
- patients who have certain types of eye disease caused by diabetes
- patients who have active cancer or any brain tumors
- patients who are critically ill after open heart surgery or abdominal (stomach) surgery, are severely hurt, or have severe breathing problems
- children and teenagers who have Prader-Willi syndrome and are very overweight or have trouble breathing
If any of these apply, talk to your doctor before you start taking Nutropin.
If you are about to start taking Nutropin, or are already taking it, be sure to tell the doctor who prescribed it:
- about ALL of the medications you are taking, including supplements
- if you have or develop a brain tumor
- if you are given any new medication—especially cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone
- if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant
- about ANY other condition or illness you have or develop
What are the possible side effects of Nutropin?
You may experience discomfort, soreness, or redness where Nutropin is injected.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- ongoing injection site discomfort
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
- joint pain
- puffy hands and/or feet (caused by fluid retention)
- changes in vision, a bad headache, or nausea with or without vomiting
- hip or knee pain
- a need to limp when you walk
- pain in wrist (carpel tunnel)
- allergic reaction
Be sure to inject Nutropin at a different recommended place on your body each time. Your doctor or nurse should supervise the first injection and provide training and instruction.
Your doctor is your primary source of information about your treatment.
Please see the full Prescribing Information, also available from your pharmacy.
