GROWTH-PARAMETERS IN MIDTRIMESTER FETAL TURNER SYNDROME

Growth failure is a consistent finding at birth in infants with Turner syndrome. However, the time of onset and pattern of growth deficiency is unknown. To determine the presence of growth failure in the second trimester in fetuses with Turner syndrome, second trimester fetuses t hat had a complete autopsy at the Central Laboratory for Human Embryol ogy at the University of Washington were studied. A control group of s pecimens with normal findings was selected and compared with a study g roup with Turner syndrome documented by karyotype. Footlength and crow n-rump length were measured directly with a ruler and femur, tibia, fi bula, humerus, ulna and radius were measured from X-rays. Crown-rump l ength was used as the indicator of gestational age. Statistical compar isons between the normal and study groups were performed by multiple r egression. Long bone measurements were made on 105 normal and 13 Turne r fetuses. Footlength and the six long bones showed evidence of statis tically significant growth failure. Fetuses with 45,X/46,XX mosaic Tur ner syndrome may demonstrate a lesser degree of growth retardation, at least for footlength, than those with a 45,X karyotype, but small num bers limited the analysis. We conclude that the growth failure consist ently demonstrated in newborns with Turner syndrome begins early in ge station and is well-established by mid-pregnancy.