Prediction of Spontaneous Puberty in Turner Syndrome Based on Mid-Childhood Gonadotropin Concentrations, Karyotype, and Ovary Visualization: A Longitudinal Study.

Aims: To investigate whether karyotype, mid-childhood (610 years) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and ultrasound ovary visualization results can be used as indicators of spontaneous puberty in Turner syndrome (TS). Methods: The analysis was based on clinical and biochemical data from 110 TS girls aged > 13 years at the end of the study (1,140 visits between 1996 and 2015). The study population was divided according to karyotype: 45, X and non-45, X. Results: The mean age +/- standard deviation at diagnosis was 10.7 +/- 4.0 years, and the follow-up duration was 5.9 +/- 3.3 years. Spontaneous puberty was confirmed in 48% and menarche in 20% of the subjects, less frequently in 45, X girls. The mean age at Tanner stage B2 was 13.7 +/- 2.4 years and that at menarche 14.2 +/- 1.7 years, regardless of the karyotype. The median FSH level at 6-10 years was 8.16 IU/L, which was significantly lower than < 6 years and > 10 years. The median LH level at 6-10 years was 0.35 IU/L, which was lower than > 10 years. The chance of spontaneous menarche was decreased in girls with FSH >= 6.7 IU/L between 6 and 10 years. Conclusions: Although spontaneous puberty and menarche occur more frequently in non-45, X girls, the karyotype cannot be used to predict them. However, the chance of spontaneous menarche can be predicted based on gonadotropin cut-off values. There was no correlation between ultrasound ovary visualization results and spontaneous puberty. (C) 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel