Among the most common genetic disorders affecting kids, especially boys is Klinefelter syndrome. The severity of this condition might vary greatly. People with mild cases may be unaware that they have Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter syndrome is only discovered through infertility testing in some men with mild symptoms.
The public must also be aware that Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition. Those who have it didn’t choose to get this. It was a chromosome abnormality and is incurable. To learn more about this disorder, keep reading.
Klinefelter Syndrome
Klinefelter is a genetic disorder that results when a boy is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome. Klinefelter syndrome is a male-specific genetic disorder that frequently isn’t discovered until adulthood.
Klinefelter syndrome may adversely influence testicular growth, resulting in smaller than normal testicles, which can lead to reduced production of testosterone.
In addition, the syndrome may result in less body and facial hair, less muscle mass, and increased breast tissue. The repercussions of Klinefelter syndrome vary, and not everyone has the same indications and symptoms.
Chromosomes
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Normally, a male has a total of 46 chromosomes (packs of DNA) – one copy of the X chromosome and one copy of the Y chromosome (46, XY). A normal female has two copies of the X chromosome (46, XX). There are a number of different conditions in which a person may have more or less than the expected X or Y chromosome.
Klinefelter Syndrome’s Male Chromosome
Klinefelter syndrome occurs when there is an extra X chromosome in the genetic code. Instead of a total of 46 chromosomes, there are 47 with two copies of the X chromosome and one copy of the Y chromosome (47, XXY).
This change occurs before birth and can occur in several different ways. These methods include:
- A sperm cell carries an extra X chromosome.
- An egg cell carries an extra X chromosome.
- Early in fetal development, cells divide incorrectly (known as mosaic Klinefelter syndrome).
Testosterone
Boys and men with Klinefelter syndrome typically have small testes that produce a reduced amount of testosterone (primary testicular insufficiency). The hormone known as testosterone controls male sexual development both before and during puberty.
Without treatment, the deficiency of testosterone can lead to delayed or incomplete puberty, breast enlargement (gynecomastia), decreased muscular mass, lower bone density, and a reduced amount of face and body hair.
As a result of the small testes and decreased hormone production, affected males are infertile but may benefit from assisted reproductive technologies.
Some affected individuals also have anomalies in their genitalia, including undescended testes (cryptorchidism), the opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis (hypospadias), or an exceptionally small penis (micropenis) (micropenis).
Phenotype of Men with Klinefelter Syndrome
Phenotype refers to an individual’s observable traits, such as height, eye colour and blood type.
The severity of Klinefelter syndrome symptoms can vary. Some people’s growth or appearance is significantly impacted by the condition. Some individuals might have a number of symptoms, whereas others might not. Age also affects the Klinefelter syndrome signs and symptoms.
Gynecomastia | Image from iStock
Here are some observable traits of men with Klinefelter syndrome:
- taller than average stature
- longer legs, shorter torso and broader hips compared with other boys
- after puberty, less muscle and less facial and body hair compared with other teens
- small, firm testicles
- small penis
- enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- weak bones
- decreased facial and body hair
- less muscular compared with other men
- enlarged breast tissue
- increased belly fat
Low Testosterone Symptoms
There are two general sorts of symptoms – physical and intellectual. The body-related symptoms are the physical ones. Intellectual symptoms aren’t something you can see, but instead include things like behavioural issues and learning disabilities
Physical symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome include:
- having a smaller penis or an undescended testicle at birth
- having aberrant body proportions. (This can include being overly tall, having long legs and a short torso and the shoulders being similar to hips in size rather than wider, which is more usual in a male.)
- having flat feet or an unusual fusion of certain bones in the forearms.
- having difficulty with “gross motor” function (coordination)
- having testicular failure (not making enough testosterone or sperm)
- having extra breast tissue (gynecomastia) as a teen or adult.
- having an increased risk for blood clots.
- having more fractures or weaker bones (called either osteopenia or osteoporosis as an adult).
Intellectual symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome can include:
- feeling depressed and anxious.
- having social and behavioural issues.
- acting impulsively and exhibiting emotional immaturity.
- experiencing learning impairments (reading and language differences are typical)
- having attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- having speech delay.
- having autism spectrum disorder.
People with Klinefelter syndrome typically experience infertility. Whenever possible, these patients should be seen by a fertility specialist at the time of diagnosis (preferably before starting testosterone) for discussion of possible fertility preservation methods (or to confirm that this is not possible) (or to confirm that this is not possible).
Diagnosing Klinefelter Syndrome
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There are certain tests that can be done during pregnancy that can diagnose it before birth, however more often it’s diagnosed later in life. Typically, one of the following methods is used to diagnose Klinefelter syndrome:
- Prenatal examination
- Testing following the observation of abnormal growth by a medical professional during puberty, adolescence, or other periods of growth.
- Conducting adult testosterone testing to check for problems with fertility.
If it is not discovered before birth, it may be identified later in adolescence if puberty does not begin or develop as expected, or if the baby’s penis is smaller than expected.
Many males might not receive any diagnosis at all, or they might receive it only if they start having problems with their fertility later in life (for example, if they are having trouble getting pregnant with their partner).
Management and Treatment
Congenital in nature, Klinefelter syndrome is a condition that exists from birth. This condition cannot be cured or completely gotten rid of because it is a part of a person’s genetic code.
Klinefelter syndrome symptoms can be managed over time to lessen their impact on a person’s life, though. The following are some possible treatments for Klinefelter syndrome symptoms:
- Hormone replacement
- Therapy
- Surgery
Hormone replacement
Some of the symptoms of the condition may be reduced with the replacement of the testosterone hormone. Typically, testosterone replacement injections are used on children and teenagers. Gels are one of the other treatment options for older men.
Therapy
Certain Klinefelter syndrome symptoms can be mitigated with therapy. Some of the therapists who may be helpful to people with Klinefelter syndrome include:
- Speech and language pathologist
- Occupational therapists and/or physical therapists
- Therapists with expertise in family dynamics, behaviour modification, and emotions
Additionally, neuropsychological testing is advised for Klinefelter patients both at the time of diagnosis and every few years in order to help identify learning difficulties and to advise schools on how to best support their learning.
Surgery
All teenage boys may develop extra breast tissue, which occurs in about half of them on average, but it typically goes away on its own. However, the extra breast tissue is more likely to remain in Klinefelter syndrome.
The healthcare provider may choose to surgically remove extra breast tissue in some circumstances, usually if it is very bothersome to the patient. Although it is typically postponed until adulthood, this removal or reduction surgery can improve the patient’s confidence and sense of self.
Can You Prevent Klinefelter Syndrome?
Klinefelter syndrome, which is genetic and incurable, is a sad reality. It is an unforeseen mistake in the genetic code that occurs before birth. There is nothing a parent can do to stop their child from developing Klinefelter syndrome because this condition is not inherited (not passed down through the family).
Different people may experience different types of Klinefelter syndrome. Some people experience the symptoms from an early age, and treatment may be required throughout the entire growth process. Other men may never be aware that they have the condition because there are no symptoms for them.
Consult your doctor about the next steps in the diagnosis process if you or your child exhibit any Klinefelter syndrome symptoms. The condition can be managed with the help of resources once it has been diagnosed.
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