Researchers from University of Messina provide details of new studies and findings in the area of syndrome
2007 AUG 14 -- Scientists discuss in "Neurocognitive profile in Turner's syndrome is not affected by growth impairment" new findings in syndrome. "Turner's syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder that results from the loss of the entire or a part of the X-chromosome and occurs in 1/2,500 female births. According to the majority of specific reports, intelligence in TS is generally found to be normal and the prevalence of mental retardation does not seem to be increased in TS except for those patients with a small ring X-chromosome," investigators in Italy report. "We evaluated 33 girls with TS with chronological age from 6-18 years. Intellectual assessment included the WISC III and the WAIS-R scales. Our results showed: 1) mean full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) was significantly lower than expected based on normative data (p <0.0005); 2) no correlation was present between height and general intellectual ability; 3) mean performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) was significantly lower than both mean verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) and FSIQ (p <0.0025 and p<0.01, respectively), and most patients had a VIQ-PIQ discrepancy; 4) the frequency of mental retardation in our study group was significantly higher than that observed in the general population (15.1% vs 2.3%, p<0.025); 5) a significant association was found between karyotype and VIQ, and the best score was achieved in the subgroup of patients with structural abnormalities of the X-chromosome. In the light of these findings we conclude that the clinical picture in TS may encompass a slightly reduced FSIQ, VIQ and especially an inadequate PIQ, but this neurocognitive profile is not significantly affected by statural impairment," wrote M.F. Messina and colleagues, University of Messina. The researchers concluded: "Since these neurocognitive defects can be responsible for misdiagnosed school difficulties, we suggest that girls with TS should receive specialized educational support and multidisciplinary care." Messina and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism (Neurocognitive profile in Turner's syndrome is not affected by growth impairment. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2007;20(6):677-84). For additional information, contact M.F. Messina, University of Messina, University of Messina, Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche Mediche e Chirurgiche, Italy. The publisher of the Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism can be contacted at: Freund Publishing House Ltd., Ste. 500, Chesham House, 150 Regent St., London W1R 5FA, England. Keywords: Italy, Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism, Pediatric, Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Turner's Syndrome. This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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