Study of the initial complaint in patients with Turner syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Turner syndrome (TS) is characterized by short stature, stigma, and delayed puberty in most patients. Objectives: To verify and rationalize the main motivations that encouraged patients to seek treatment. Methodology: The medical records of 44 patients with TS, diagnosed by karyotype, were collected regarding the age of diagnosis and the complaint that motivated the search for medical services. Results: The age of diagnosis ranged from the prenatal period to 20 years of age; the most common complaint was short stature (57%). All children up to 5 years of age had stigma as their main complaints. From this age onwards, the initial complaints were short stature and pubertal delay. Conclusions: The main complaint presented is short stature alone (mainly between 10 and 15 years of age) or associated with other complaints. During adolescence, growth deficit and pubertal delay become more evident, motivating the search for medical services.