Causes And Complications of Turner Syndrome

Heart Problems

Turner syndrome increases the risk of a variety of heart problems. Some may be present from infancy, while others may develop over time. If patients have high blood pressure, they may develop cardiovascular issues as a result. It is common for Turner syndrome to lead to heart defects that can be potentially serious. Even slight heart abnormalities might be cause for concern if they lead to certain health conditions. A child with an abnormal heart might have a higher risk of suffering terrible health complications.

Some of the most common heart defects involve a malformed aorta. This is the blood vessel that moves off the heart and delivers the oxygen-enriched blood to the body. If there are problems with this blood vessel, the heart may not pump fresh blood properly through the system. Alternatively, an individual might have blood that washes back into the heart instead of flowing in one direction. Other defects might occur within the muscles that make up the heart.

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Hearing Loss

Hearing loss tends to occur in Turner syndrome patients. It is common for patients to have normal hearing at birth, but this may slowly diminish with time. The hearing loss may or may not progress to full deafness. Some of this is because Turner syndrome patients have a higher risk of developing middle ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss. More commonly, though, the loss of hearing happens because a patient progressively loses their nerve function. Studies show that up to eighty percent of individuals with Turner syndrome may experience conductive hearing loss. There are issues with the Eustachian tube that promote ear infections and can lead to nerve damage.

Conductive hearing loss is not progressive. Some Turner syndrome patients might experience cholesteatomas, which are benevolent growths that can block hearing. Up to ninety percent of Turner syndrome patients experience sensorineural hearing loss. This is a progressive condition. The majority of cases can be treated with cochlear implants or hearing aids. However, the recommended treatment will vary depending on the condition's severity.

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