Klinefelter syndrome

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Klinefelter syndrome

Alternative Names:

47 X-X-Y syndrome
Treatment:

Testosterone therapy can achieve the following:

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

Most patients are not able to father children. However, there are some cases of men with an extra X fathering healthy offspring, sometimes with the aide of infertility specialists.

Support Groups:

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The Klinefelter Syndrome Association can be reached at PO Box 119, Roseville, CA, 95678-0119.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most patients can expect a normal, productive life. Social and educational supports can help patients reach their potential.

Complications:

The syndrome is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, extragonadal germ cell tumor (a rare tumor), lung disease, varicose veins, and osteoporosis. There is also an increased risk for autoimmune disorder such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

Learning disabilities are common, despite normal or high IQ. The risks of dyslexia, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder, and depression may be higher.

Taurodontism, which is when the teeth have enlarged pulp and surface thinning, is very common in Klinefelter syndrome. It can be diagnosed by dental x-rays.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a boy fails to develop secondary sexual characteristics at puberty

A genetics counselor can help evaluate or explain abnormal chromosome findings. The patient may also wish to consult with an endocrinologist and infertility specialist.