Elevated Liver Enzymes & Turner's Syndrome

Turner Syndrome is a disorder of the genes where the X chromosome, of which there are two in women and one in men, is missing or incomplete. Women born with this syndrome are unable to mature sexually and physically, and they have difficulty conceiving.

X Chromosome Function

• There are numerous genes in the X chromosome, and many of their functions are unknown or not well understood. Women born with an abnormal or incomplete X chromosome fail to release female sex hormones from their ovaries.

Clinical Features

• Women with Turner's do not mature, looking like young prepubescent girls when they are in fact adults. They are more prone to urinary tract infections, and their bones may become brittle because of low estrogen. For some unknown reason, women with Turner's also have elevated liver enzymes.

Liver Enzymes

• Elevated liver enzymes are usually a sign of damage to the cells of the liver. As the cells are damaged, they release enzymes into the bloodstream. Slightly elevated liver enzymes are also found in people who are overweight or have hormone imbalances.

Possible Association

• Some evidence exists that the lack of estrogen and other sex hormones in women with Turner's leads to weight gain and high blood pressure. In turn, this may be the reason why liver enzymes are elevated. However, more research is being conducted into Turner Syndrome.

Treatment

• Treatment of Turner Syndrome involves the artificial replacement of all the hormones missing because of the genetic abnormality. With proper treatment, women may be able to reach or approximate a normal height and sexual development. This may also help with the elevated liver enzymes.