Bone mineral density in Turner's syndrome--a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis is a recognized problem in adult women with Turner's syndrome, the aetiology of which is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine bone mineralization longitudinally in a group of girls with Turner's syndrome and to study the effect of different treatments on bone mineral density.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

PATIENTS: Eighteen girls with Turner's syndrome aged 4-17 years attending a paediatric endocrine clinic.

MEASUREMENTS: Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at several time points over a 2.5-year period.

RESULTS

Only one girl had evidence of a significant reduction in bone density when comparisons were made with control data related to body weight and pubertal status. No advantage was found for any form of treatment in optimizing bone mineralization.

CONCLUSIONS

As there is little evidence of reduced bone mineral density in girls with Turner's syndrome there is no justification for an early introduction of oestrogen replacement during the prepubertal years.