Turner syndrome (TS) is a disorder in females that is caused by the complete or partial absence of the second sex chromosome. The main characteristics are gonadal dysgenesis and short stature, with... Show moreTurner syndrome (TS) is a disorder in females that is caused by the complete or partial absence of the second sex chromosome. The main characteristics are gonadal dysgenesis and short stature, with adult patients being on average 20 cm shorter than healthy women. Growth hormone (GH) therapy increases adult height with 5 to 12 cm and the addition of the weak androgen oxandrolone (Ox) may further increase adult height. This thesis describes the results of the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the question whether GH-treated girls with Turner syndrome would profit from Ox therapy, and if so, which Ox dosage should be given. It was concluded that the conventional Ox dosage (0.06 mg/kg/day) should not be used because of its limited efficacy and virilizing capacity. In contrast, the addition of Ox at a dosage of 0.03 mg/kg/day starting between the age of 8 to 15 years increases height during therapy, modestly increases adult height gain and has a fairly good safety profile, except for a small deceleration in breast development. In patients considering this deceleration less important than the increment in height gain, we therefore suggest to add Ox 0.03 mg/kg/day to GH to increase height. Show less
