Long-term hormone replacement therapy preserves bone mineral density in Turner syndrome.

CONTEXT

Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fractures are present in many women with Turner syndrome (TS).

OBJECTIVE

Examine longitudinal changes in BMD in TS and relate changes to biochemical parameters.

DESIGN

Prospective, pragmatic, and observational study. Examinations at baseline and follow-up (5.9+/-0.7 years).

SETTING

Tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-four women with TS (43.0+/-9.95 years). Interventions Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Main outcome measures BMD (g/cm(2)) measured at lumbar spine, hip, and the non-dominant forearm. Bone formation and resorption markers, sex hormones, IGF1, and maximal oxygen uptake.

RESULTS

At follow-up, forearm BMD, radius ultradistal BMD, and hip BMD remained unchanged, radius 1/3 BMD declined (0.601+/-0.059 vs 0.592+/-0.059, P=0.03), while spine BMD increased (0.972+/-0.139 vs 1.010+/-0.144, P<0.0005). Bone formation markers did not change over time in TS. Bone resorption markers decreased over time in TS. Testosterone, IGF1, and maximal oxygen uptake was significantly reduced in TS.

CONCLUSION

Longitudinal changes in BMD in TS were slight. BMD can be maintained at most sites in well-informed women with TS, being encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including HRT and intake of calcium and vitamin D.