[Growth hormone treatment inTurner syndrome: data and reflections]

Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2008 Jul;52(5):757-64. doi: 10.1590/s0004-27302008000500007.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Short stature is the major characteristic of Turner syndrome. The statural appeal is premature and become evident in the puberty. Haploinsufficiency of SHOX gene has been related as main factor on final height of these patients. Despite the majority of the patients are not growth hormone deficient, the GHr therapy improves the final height. Recently, a great number of publications have described the association between GH and cancer. The cancer risk, in these patients, is mainly associated with the presence of Y chromosome sequences that can lead to the gonadoblastoma development. In conclusion, the GHr therapy in ST patients deserves caution. The investigation of Y chromosome sequences should be performed as well as the prophylactic gonadectomy in the positive cases conferring confidence to the treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dwarfism / drug therapy*
  • Dwarfism / genetics
  • Female
  • Genomic Imprinting
  • Gonadoblastoma / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Human Growth Hormone / adverse effects
  • Human Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Short Stature Homeobox Protein
  • Turner Syndrome / complications
  • Turner Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Turner Syndrome / genetics

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • SHOX protein, human
  • Short Stature Homeobox Protein
  • Human Growth Hormone