Turner syndrome is a chromosomal disorder affecting development in girls. It is caused by a missing or incomplete X chromosome. Fetuses with Turner syndrome may exhibit marked growth delays, renal agenesis and olygohydraminos.

Turner patients who survive to birth may have skeletal abnormalities, kidney problems and suffer premature ovarian failure. Heart defects are present in 33%-50% of Turner patients.  Also common are obesity, diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis. Many affected girls do not undergo puberty without estrogen hormone therapy.

Some milder common affects of Turner syndrome can include short stature, webbed neck, low hairline at the back of the neck and puffiness or swelling.

For more information on Turner syndrome, visit:

• eMedicine What is Turner Syndrome?
• Genetics Home Reference What is Turner Syndrome? U.S. National Library of Medicine
• GARD-Turner Syndrome Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
• Medicinenet.com MedicineNet, Inc.

Ending a Wanted Pregnancy stories about Turner syndrome