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Home Your Health Multimedia Encyclopedia Klinefelter syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome

Definition

Klinefelter syndrome is the presence of an extra X chromosome in a male.

Alternative Names

47 X-X-Y syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Humans have 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes contain all of your genes and DNA, the building blocks of the body. The two sex chromosomes determine if you become a boy or a girl. Females normally have two XX chromosomes. Males normally have an X and a Y chromosome.

Klinefelter syndrome is one of a group of sex chromosome problems. It results in males who have at least one extra X chromosome. Usually, this occurs due to one extra X. This would be written as XXY.

Klinefelter syndrome occurs in about 1 out of 500 - 1,000 newborn boys. Women who get pregnant after age 35 are slightly more likely to have a boy with this syndrome than younger women.

Symptoms

• Abnormal body proportions (long legs, short trunk, shoulder equal to hip size)
• Abnormally large breasts (gynecomastia)
• Infertility
• Sexual problems
• Less than normal amount of pubic, armpit, and facial hair
• Small, firm testicles
• Tall height

Signs and tests

Klinefelter syndrome may first be diagnosed when a man comes to the doctor because of infertility. Infertity is the most common symptom.

The following tests may be performed:

• Karyotyping
• Semen count

Blood tests will be done to check hormone levels including:

• Estradiol, a type of estrogen
• Follicle stimulating hormone
• Luteinizing hormone
• Testosterone

Treatment

Testosterone therapy may be prescribed. This can help:

• Grow body hair
• Improve appearance of muscles
• Improve concentration
• Improve mood and self esteem
• Increase energy and sex drive
• Increase strength

Most men with this syndrome are not able to get a woman pregnant. However, an infertility specialist may be able to help. A special doctor called an endocrinologist may also be helpful.

Support Groups

The American Association for Klinefelter Syndrome Information and Support (AAKSIS) -

Complications

Enlarged teeth with a thinning surface is very common in Klinefelter syndrome. This is called taurodontism. It can be diagnosed by dental x-rays.

Klinefelter syndrome also increases your risk of:

• Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder
• Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren syndrome
• Breast cancer in men
• Depression
• Learning disabilities, including dyslexia, which affects reading
• A rare type of tumor called an extragonadal germ cell tumor
• Lung disease
• Osteoporosis
• Varicose veins

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your son does not develop secondary sexual characteristics at puberty. This includes facial hair growth and a deepening of the voice.

A genetics counselor can provide information about this condition and direct you to support groups in your area.

Prevention