Publication
Title
Health and psychosocial status of patients with Turner syndrome after transition to adulthood : the Belgian experience
Author
Institution/Organisation
Belgian Study Group of Paediatric Endocrinology
Abstract
Background: Most girls with Turner syndrome (TS) are intensively followed by paediatricians, but are lost to follow-up when they reach adulthood. To gain insight into the adult medical and psychosocial situation, we performed a survey in young adult TS patients. Patients and Methods: A questionnaire concerning current health status, education, occupation and living situation was sent to 160 young adult TS women, all treated during childhood with GH and oestrogen if needed. Results: We received 102 completed questionnaires. Mean+/-SD age at reception of the questionnaire was 23.4+/-3.3 years, height 153.3+/-5.2 cm, body mass index 23.7+/-4.9 kg/m(2). Age and auxological parameters were comparable between responders and non-responders. Thirteen (12.7%) responders were not under regular medical care; 15 (14.7%) were seen by a general practitioner, while 28 (27.4%) needed several specialists. Forty-one (40.2%) patients reported health problems. The most frequently reported problem was hypertension (10.7%), followed by hypothyroidism (5.8%) and back problems (4.9%). Twenty-four (23.5%) of the 41 patients were taking medication for the indicated health problems. Twenty-six (25.5%) women had undergone spontaneous puberty; 16 of them reported spontaneous menstruations while 10 received oestrogen replacement therapy. Of the 76 women with induced puberty, 11 (14.5%) were not taking any oestrogen anymore. Compared with the general population, more TS women attended university and more obtained higher education. Forty-six women (45.1%) were working full-time, 7 (6.9%) were unemployed, and 4 (3.9%) received an allocation. Seventy (68.6%) patients were still living with their parents, while 18 (17.6%) were living together or married, and 14 (13.7%) were living alone. Conclusions: The transition of adolescents with TS to adult medical care is not optimal in Belgium. Although 40.2% of these young women reported health problems, 12.7% did not consult any physician. Many TS women did not take oestrogen replacement therapy. A specialized multidisciplinary approach for adults with TS is needed in order to optimize health and psychosocial status in these women. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Hormone research. - Basel
Publication
Basel : 2004
ISSN
0301-0163
DOI
10.1159/000080099
Volume/pages
62 :4 (2004) , p. 161-167
ISI
000224749000001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 24.02.2012
Last edited 08.12.2021
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