Turner Syndrome is a condition caused by the partial or complete absence of the X chromosome, and it mainly affects women.
Most people have 46 chromosomes in each cell (23 from the mother and 23 from the father). This syndrome develops on the 45th chromosome and occurs when a woman has one normal X chromosome while the other X chromosome is missing, incomplete, or has some alteration.
How can Turner syndrome be present?
The symptoms that appear in different stages and vary depending on the physical and growth characteristics of the person who has it, may include the following:
Before birth
During birth or childhood
During teenage and adulthood
Significant accumulation of fluid in the back of the neck or other abnormal fluid accumulations
Cardiac abnormalities
Abnormal kidneys
Wide or webbed neck
Low-set ears
Broad chest with widely spaced nipples
High and narrow palate
Arms that turn outward at the elbows
Narrow and upward-turned fingernails of both hands and feet
Swelling of the hands and feet
Slightly shorter height than average
Delayed growth
Heart defects
Low hairline at the back of the head
Small or receding lower jaw
Short fingers and toes
Ovarian insufficiency
Growth delay
Lack of expected onset of sexual changes during puberty
Sexual development that stops during the teenage years
Early cessation of menstrual cycles that is not due to pregnancy
Infertility
Turner Syndrome can affect the proper development of various systems in the body of the person who has it, but it varies according to each case. The complications can be:
Heart problems: Babies with Turner Syndrome are born with heart defects or even slight abnormalities in the structure of the heart that increase the risk of serious complications. The heart problems can involve issues with the aorta, the large blood vessel that extends from the heart and supplies the body with oxygenated blood.
High blood pressure: People who have Turner Syndrome have a high risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to heart and blood vessel diseases.
Hearing loss: Hearing deterioration is common in Turner Syndrome. In some patients, it is due to the gradual loss of nerve function, along with a high risk of developing middle ear infections.
Vision problems: Women with Turner Syndrome have a high risk of having weak muscle control of eye movements, known as strabismus, myopia, and other vision problems.
Kidney problems: Girls with Turner Syndrome can have kidney malformations, and these anomalies can increase the risk of high blood pressure and urinary tract infections.
Autoimmune disorders: Patients with Turner Syndrome have a high possibility of having low activity of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) due to the autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. They are also at risk of developing diabetes, intestinal diseases, and gluten intolerance.
Skeletal problems: Difficulties in bone growth and development increase the risk of an abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), a forward curvature of the upper back (kyphosis), and weak and fragile bones (osteoporosis).
Sterility: Women with Turner Syndrome are infertile, with a very low percentage being able to become pregnant naturally.
Complications during pregnancy: Most women with Turner Syndrome have a high risk of developing complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, aortic dissection, and others.
How to Detect Turner Syndrome?
In conclusion, Turner Syndrome is a genetic disorder that can impact women's lives in many ways. Early detection of this syndrome is crucial in order to take preventive measures and provide appropriate treatment.
The PGT-A test is a useful tool that can help detect Turner Syndrome in embryos prior to transfer. This preimplantation genetic testing can identify chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo and ensure that only normal embryos are selected for transfer.
Detecting Turner Syndrome through PGT-A testing can provide couples with greater peace of mind and confidence in the IVF process, as it increases the chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
At Ingenes, we offer a variety of preimplantation genetic testing services, including PGT-A, that can help detect Turner Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. Our team of experts is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care to help couples achieve their reproductive goals. If you or someone you know is interested in detecting Turner Syndrome, do not hesitate to contact us for more information about our services.
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