Transition to Adult Care
The role of transitioning a child to adult care is substantive to a women’s long-term health and well-being. Adult women with Turner Syndrome require careful medical follow-up. Early medical intervention may decrease incidence of disease and death and improve the quality of life of women with Turner Syndrome.
The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare supervision of women with Turner Syndrome should occur at the completion of puberty, usually by 18 years of age. Ideally, the process of transition should take place over a period of 2–3 years during the late pubertal period and should involve a gynecologist with expertise in fertility issues.
Adult women with TS should undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation due to the increased risk of a number of common diseases. All medical problems present during childhood should be followed in adults (e.g. CHD, hearing loss, skeletal problems, and dental and ophthalmological abnormalities). Annual medical history and general physical evaluation should be performed, including blood pressure, heart auscultation, clinical evaluation of thyroid size and function, breast examination, and Pap smear.
As in children, regular otological examination is important, as about 15% of adults with TS experience significant hearing loss, which may be conductive and/or sensorineural.
Print & Share the Turner syndrome Guidelines Transition from Pediatric to Adult Follow Up sheet to help guide your medical journey.
To read more about transition from pediatric to adult care, scroll to page(s) G31-G33 in the Clinical Guidelines found here:
View some of the frequently asked questions about transition of care Learn More
