children s health issues
Turner Syndrome
Symptoms of Turner Syndrome
Some symptoms of Turner syndrome are noticeable at birth. Other symptoms are not noticed until the children are school-age or older. Many newborns with Turner syndrome are mildly affected, but some have swelling ( Lymphedema ) on the backs of their hands and tops of their feet. Swelling or loose folds of skin are often evident over the back of the neck. Heart defects include narrowing of part of the aorta ( Coarctation of the Aorta ). Other common abnormalities seen later include a webbed neck (wide skin attachment between the neck and shoulders) and a broad chest with widely spaced and inwardly turned nipples. Infants are at a higher risk of a problem with the hip joint called Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip . Less common symptoms include drooping upper eyelids (ptosis), a low hairline at the back of the neck, Moles (nevi), and poorly developed nails. In most girls, the ovaries are replaced by connective tissue and do not contain developing eggs (gonadal dysgenesis), so these girls are infertile. Gonadal dysgenesis causes a lack of menstrual periods ( Absence of Menstrual Periods ) and breast development. Girls may not go through the changes of puberty or may not complete puberty. A small number of girls do have a normal puberty and reproductive function. About 10% of adolescents have Scoliosis . Other problems may develop. High Blood Pressure frequently occurs even if the girl does not have coarctation of the aorta. Kidney defects are common. Occasionally, abnormal blood vessels in the intestine cause bleeding. Hearing Impairment in Children may occur, and crossed eyes ( Celiac Disease , inflammation of the thyroid gland, and Girls with Turner syndrome caused by a certain type of chromosome abnormality are at increased risk of a tumor of the ovaries called gonadoblastoma, which may be cancerous (malignant). Many girls with Turner syndrome have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and A girl or woman with Turner syndrome is often short compared with family members, and obesity is common. 