High Levels of Education and Employment Among Women with Turner Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Turner Syndrome (TS) is due to X chromosome monosomy and affects *1 per 2500 females at birth. The major features are short stature and primary ovarian failure. Short stature and monosomy for a maternal X chromosome have been implicated in impaired functionality in adult life; however, data on adult outcomes in TS are limited. In this study we evaluated the influence of adult height and parental origin of the single X chromosome on education, employment, and marital outcomes among women with TS. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 240 women (25-67 years old) with TS participating in an intramural National Institutes of Health (NIH) study. Parental origin of the single X chromosome was determined by genotyping proband and parental genomic DNA. Information on education, employment, and family status was self reported. Normative data was obtained from the U.S. Bureaus of Census and Labor and Statistics. Results: Seventy percent of the TS group had a baccalaureate degree or higher, compared with 30% of U.S. women ( p < 0.0001). Eighty percent of the TS group was employed compared with 70% of the U.S. female population. Approximately 50% of the TS group had ever married, compared with 78% of the general female population ( p < 0.0001). Height and parental origin of the single normal X chromosome had no association with education, employment, or marital status. Conclusion: Women with TS currently achieve education and employment levels higher than the female U.S. population but are less likely to marry. Neither adult height nor parental origin of the single X chromosome influenced outcomes in education, employment, or marriage.

Clinical practice guidelines for the care of girls and women with Turner syndrome: proceedings from the 2016 Cincinnati International Turner Syndrome Meeting

“…The employment status of young women with TS is equal (452, 516, 517) or higher (206,518) than comparison groups; however, retirement occurs earlier (517, 519). Adult women with TS, especially older cohorts, show a lower occupational status than would be expected from their level of education and report less positive/ challenging working experiences (519, 520).…”

“…Adult women with TS, especially older cohorts, show a lower occupational status than would be expected from their level of education and report less positive/ challenging working experiences (519, 520). Women with TS often choose careers in health care, social services and teaching (206,515,518), but such a finding should not be viewed as a recommendation. Instead, career guidance ideally includes vocational/career counseling (521).…”

“…Girls and women with TS experience higher degrees of social isolation (452, 516). They report fewer close friendships (523,525), marry at lower rates (206,515,518,533) and are less likely to cohabitate (515, 516, 517). These observations may arise, due to difficulties in social cognition.…”

A 6‐year Follow‐up survey of health status in middle‐aged women with Turner syndrome

“…Intellectual functioning is normal, with some reports of specific nonverbal learning problems . Women with TS seem to attain equal or higher level of education compared to controls, with no difference in work status, although increased occurrence of early retirement has been documented . More women with TS live without a partner and fewer become mothers .…”

Falência ovariana precoce

“…As principais características são baixa estatura e FOP. A baixa estatura e monossomia de um cromossoma X maternos têm sido implicados em incapacidades na vida adulta (29).…”