Growth Hormone Therapy for Turner Syndrome.

Growth failure is nearly universal in individuals with Turner syndrome (TS). It is a consequence of haploinsufficiency of the short stature homeobox gene located on the short arm of the X chromosome (SHOX). Without treatment, individuals with TS are expected to be on average 20 cm shorter than unaffected adult females. Short stature is cited by patients as one of their biggest burdens and may have an adverse impact on psychosocial well-being, pubertal timing, and ability to complete a variety of daily living activities. The routine use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment has increased height outcomes. Clinical evidence has strongly supported the efficacy and safety of this treatment. In this article we review the rationale for rhGH treatment in TS, the factors that affect treatment response, safety and monitoring considerations, and potential changes in the way rhGH may be utilized in TS care in the future.